On day one, we faced out toughest challenge: playing Hertfordshire and Middlesex. Both teams are extremely strong and Middlesex actually went on to win the whole event. This was possibly because the Middlesex team consisted of all Green 1 rated players. Our Gloucestershire team was:
Danielle Gibson, Louise Ryder, Lizzie Udale, Monica Artega,
All four girls were not disheartened by the fact that Middlesex were all Green 1. Infact, they saw it as an excellent experience and smiled and enjoyed the day from start to finish. Overall, we lost 8-0 in sets to Middlesex; I don’t think the sudden death deuce did us any favours!! We also lost 8-0 in sets to Hertfordshire; I believe the advanced experience of the Hertfordshire girls did show. If our Glos girls were to prepare to play against such strong teams again, I would be aiming to develop stronger weapons in their game i.e. bigger serves or bigger forehands.
Overall on day one, I could fault the girls’ enthusiasm and determination.
On day two, the girls woke up feeling motivated and enthusiastic about the games ahead. Today, we were also up against two strong counties: Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. The girls gave it their all and really supported each other for the whole day.
Against Oxfordshire, Danielle Gibson lost a very close match 5-3, 5-3 against Oxfordshire’s number 1. Most games went to sudden death deuce and unfortunately the Oxfordshire player came out on top. Louise Ryder had another tough match and again Oxfordshire’s power and speed meant they won the match. Lizzie Udale achieved our first winning match that went on the board! She played extremely well and fought to the end, winning a 3rd set tie break to close out the match. The score was 4-2, 1-4, 10-5. Lizzie was very consistent and played the ball in the court time after time – this sort of tactic is exactly what needs to be done on a clay court.
Danielle and Louise played the doubles with a very close second set, unfortunately they lost 4-0, 5-3. They showed great composure in the close second set but they needed to be slightly sharper around the net.
The overall match result against Oxfordshire was 6-2.
Against Buckinghamshire, all the opponents were very advanced but Lizzie Udale shone through. She won her singles match 4-2, 4-2 against a green 2 – which is excellent to beat a player with a higher rating! Well done Lizzie J
All four girls should be extremely proud of their achievements and representing the county.
Our players worked very hard and their attitude on and off court was admirable. Here’s to a better result next year.
Well done Girls!
by Guy Thoms (Team Captain)