After a nail-biting weekend, the U18 boys team at Connaught won their second decisive tie break shoot out to see them crowned Aegon Team Tennis U18 National Champions at Roehampton.
Lewis Thompson, Ben Wood and Kane Patience have already made tremendous improvements in their tennis in their last year, were joined by the younger and less experienced Lewis Tyler and Will Thomson. Our other improved U18, Sam Price was booked on a family holiday and w
On the first day we were drawn against the 2nd seeds Esporta Lanchashire and Lewis Tyler put up a good fight against Faris Mcgrath but lost and Kane Patience lost a tight match to Sean Evans 6-7, 4-6. Ben Wood played some fantastic tennis to beat Matthew Boyle as did Lewis Thompson at no.1 when he levelled the tie with a win over Jacob Whalley 6-2, 6-4. With it all to play for Tyler and Wood pulled off a great victory at no.2 doubles winning the deciding match tie break 11-9. Coach Will Roberts who was on court with the players all day was burnt, but now confident that Kane and Lewis could bring the tie home after their 6-2 first set. However, this is tennis and team tennis at that, so what actually happened was a 1-6 second set followed by a 10-8 defeat in the 3rd set tie break!
So now it was the turn of Lewis Thompson and Ben Wood in the deciding match tie-break. There really is no substitute for this type of pressure and both Connaught boys showed great maturity to book a place in the finals by winning it 10-6.
Next up were the top seeds, Nottingham IHPC which was always going to be tough. Will Thomson came in at no.4 but both he and Ben were unable to win their singles matches so it was not a good start. Kane however, put in a great performance to beat James Defusto 6-2, 6-4 and then Lewis Thompson delivered again with a 7-6, 6-3 win over Shakeel Manj. The doubles rubbers were split again so it was down to yet another match tie break to decide the title. Up steps Ben and Lewis again who handled their nerves well to win 10-7.
Coach Will Roberts commented, "it was a great team effort and it has been rewarding to see all these boys grow so much over the last couple years and a pleasure to be a part of this great victory today."
This was the end of a road which saw Connaught clearly stating it's claim as one of the strongest and biggest clubs in the country with 16 teams in the Aegon Team Tennis (premier and county) as well as many others in Essex cups and local leagues. It was hectic at times with up to 16 matches taking place in a given weekend but members were happy to forgo courts to watch the fine displays of tennis.
Connaught Club manager Nicola Bastick said, "this year successes in league tennis has been a direct result of the hard work the club and its coaching team have put into supporting, nurturing and growing our own players. We are delighted, in particular, to have such depth in the older age groups and with our partnership with UEL and the four senior world ranked players training here, we are sure we can continue to grow."
Anyone wishing to get into tennis or be considered for the performance program from September should contact info@wimx.org.uk for camp and program information.