One of the most popular Junior Tournaments of the winter was held indoors at David Lloyd Basildon during the February half term week. An entry of over 200 boys and girls, proved the point.
The standard of play throughout the week was excellent, as was the behaviour, which cumulated into exciting finals.
Probably the best ever for this tournament was the boys 12 and under final. Matthew Doe (Mountnessing), the number No 1 seed beat William Shepherd (Deanes), the number 2 seed by the narrowest of margins. In a match that lasted over 2 hours, the many spectators enjoyed these 2 boys playing every shot in the book, played in a really sporting spirit.
In the 14 and under boys singles, Toby Dunlea (Cranston Park) fought to the last point but lost out to Charlie Taylor (Comberton) in the 3rd set tie break.
Another very exciting final was the boys 16 and under event. Andrew Berry (Westcliff Hardcourts), playing his first junior tournament, since winning the Essex Closed last August, came from behind, playing brilliantly to beat Tom Belton (Ipswich).
Lewis Tyler (Billercay LTC) who last year won the 16 and under boy’s singles event, moved on this year to win the 18 and under event. In a classic game, he beat friend and 2nd seed, David Mould (Deanes) in a tough final.
Pride of place in the girls events must go Evie Smart (Garons), who won the 12 and under girls event, without losing a game. Last year, Zuzanna Glowacz won the girls 12 and 14 and under singles. This year she continued her winning form by winning the 16 and under girls singles beating Lucy Spice (LA Fitness, Kent). Lucy had her revenge by beating Zuzanna in a very close 14 and under final.
In the mini events, the Nana brothers did well, with David winning the 10 and under event and Jonathan winning the 8 and under event. Disappointingly the other mini events were won by players out of the County, although there were good performances from Connaught players George Budd and Samuel Constantinou and James Maiden (Epping), who all lost in very close and exciting finals.
The tournament was organised and refereed by Lesley and Ian Pitt.
Results from the tournament