The format of the event is that each team consists of four players with 1v1, 2v2 etc ,with each county playing each other, therefore each girl has a maximum of three matches on the day.
This year Essex was represented by Kayleigh Hale, Grace Leigh, Greta Griceviciute, Ananya Vartak and Rebecca Creevy as traveling reserve.
Round one saw Essex drawn against Hertfordshire which was always going to be difficult especially as they were represented by the under 10 national champion Sophia Underwood.
Kayleigh had the unenviable task of playing Sophia and whilst we came off second best Kayleigh put up a great fight with some well played points, the final score not being a true reflection of the match.
Grace leveled the score for us with a well thought three set victory against their second player. The third match was narrowly lost with Greta loosing on a third set tiebreak, however Ananaya then leveled it again for us on yet another third set tie break. So a tight contest with two matches each however based on games we narrowly lost out.
Round two drew us against Yorkshire and with the exception of Kayleigh’s match saw our girls win their matches comfortably in straight sets. Kayleigh playing at one had yet another tough long match narrowly losing in three sets , therefore we came out with a 3-1 victory.
The final round put us up against Cambridgeshire who were doing extremely well , and after long day we came off second best against them loosing each match the closest of which being the last match of the day, which saw Ananaya losing out 16-14 a marathon third set tiebreak.
As you can see from the results Essex girls scored 2 points coming 3rd in the group.
I would like to thank all the girls for making themselves available to represent the county and for all their efforts during the day, their behavior throughout was impeccable both on and off court a credit to Essex. I would also take this opportunity to thank all the parents for giving up their time and helping to support the girls.
Evan with losses Im sure they can all take something positive away from the day and continue to move forward in their tennis development . I’m sure we will being hearing a lot more of all these girls when reporting on Essex teams in the future.
Paul Kitto U10 Girls Team Captain.
Final Results 12 Counties U10 Girls Division One