Gloucestershire 18U team lead by team captain Mark Willis, travelled to Hull to take part in the AEGON 18U County Cup from the 2nd to 4th March.
The team were Matthew Bennion, Christopher Cole, Elliott Hopson, Christopher Morrow, Matthew Morrow, Nader Murad, Samuel Tullett and George Watson.
Full results from the weekend can be found here, with a round up from Mark below. Information on the AEGON County Cup can be found here.
"Day one of the event saw Gloucestershire play Bedfordshire in a much closer affair than the score line would have suggested. Gloucestershire ran out eight to one winners, taking three out of the four matches that went to a third set. Stand out performances on day one went to Chris Morrow for his emphatic 6-0, 6-0 victory over the Bedfordshire number one and Elliot Hopson for coming through a tough three set battle.
Day two saw Gloucestershire come up against Berkshire who had lost all nine rubbers on the previous day as they only fielded five players. Gloucestershire ran out nine nil winners here, again perhaps a little harsh on Berkshire but a massive credit for to the players for coming through some tough tests. Outstanding performances on the day went to Samuel Tullett for producing great wins at the number five spot singles and in the doubles with George Watson on what were for the both of them, their Gloucestershire County Cup debuts. Special mention must also go to Nader Murad who relentlessly ground down his opponent.
Day three saw Gloucestershire lose on a final deciding match tie-break to North of Scotland in what was the tightest affair referee David Kitchen had ever witnessed in all his years of experience. After being four matches to two down after the singles, Gloucestershire recovered to four matches all after Tullett and Watson and Matt Morrow and Chris Cole again proved how strong they were in the doubles, taking both in straight sets, levelling the tie. It was just too much as North of Scotland’s number one and two players beat Chris Morrow and Matthew Bennion 10 – 7 in the deciding match tie-break. Special mention must go to Matthew Bennion, for a solid singles display followed by an immense doubles performance. Also to Elliot Hopson for being down and out in the third set, but coming back to win to set up the tense finish.
Overall a great weekend with some gutsy displays of tennis all round, culminating with a harsh reality of the world of tennis. Great experience for the players and one which I am sure they will come back stronger from next year!!!"
Mark Willis
Gloucestershire U18 Boys Team Captain