Under 18 Boys County Cup
Boys team: Adam Bowen , Alex Parker, Liam Hadfield, Jamie Marks, Ben Tolhurst, Harry Phipps, Seb Timmermans, Toby Timmermans
This year’s event was held in Cardiff at the National Tennis Centre and day 1 opponents were, on paper, a strong looking Gloucestershire side. In the singles, Jamie pulled out a good win, with some blistering winners and big serving, and Alex, playing at 1 pushed the number 2 ranked 18U player all the way, but we were 5-1 down! Jamie also picked up a win in the doubles with partner Liam and Harry and Seb lost 11-9 in a hard fought final set breaker! Unfortunately day 1 ended with a 7-2 defeat.
Day 2 paired us against Norfolk who had had a win the previous day. Improvement was needed to try and get a win and ease the pressure. Again, Jamie pulled out a win in his singles, but all other singles were lost. Liam and Jamie again looked strong as pair 2 in the doubles and played some intelligent tennis, but Adam and Ben and Seb and Harry both lost leaving us with a 7-2 defeat once more on day 2!
Bring on day 3! The team knew what was needed and only a win against Durham and Cleveland would keep us up! Team spirit was high, so let the excitement begin… Seb lost a tough singles, but Harry came on strong, with a more energetic and solid performance and with great support from the team, it was 1-1. After two defeats, Ben pulled out all the stops with a more patient and intelligent performance, staying on top of his opponent and using his 1st serve more effectively. 2-1 H&W followed by another solid win for Jamie, putting us 3-1 up and in a great position. Liam had his best performance of the week, playing a superb 2nd set to level the match, only to go down fighting in the 3rd. Adam tried hard, but was beaten and now the match was at 3-3, all in the balance.
On to the doubles, with Liam and Jamie looking odds on for the win and Adam and Ben looking like their opponents would be too strong, the match came down to Seb and Harry! With energy levels high and loud crowd support, Harry and Seb got off to a flyer. 1st set H&W, but Durham and Cleveland fought back and took the 2nd 6-4. The whole weekend came down to the championship breaker! Momentum with Durham, they leapt to a 6-3 lead and things looked doomed, but Harry and Seb dug deep and after many exciting points, it was 10-9 H&W. Harry moving back after a good first volley from Durham whipped an unstoppable top spin backhand lob to take victory! H&W had survived with a 5-4 win!
A tough weekend ended on a high and all the team stepped up on the last day and delivered. Much to work on, to improve for next year, but well done to my team! A special congratulations to the player of the week; Jamie, winning 6 out of 6 matches, a top performance!
A very enjoyable, even if slightly stressful weekend!
Allen Benbow - Captain