The 9U County Cup consists of three boys singles, three girls singles, boys doubles, girls doubles then a mixed doubles. A total of nine rubbers per match. The Kent team was Liam Vincent, Isaac Jochim, Jack Pinnington Jones, Abby Reinfelde, Emma Sawkings, Ella Wood and Katie Swindell.Kent had to play against Sussex, Surrey and Middlesex, the event was played at The Sutton Tennis Academy.
Our first match was against Sussex, Liam and Isaac were up first playing their singles. They both had epic matches which all went to 3 sets. Liam lost his 7-3 in the third and Isaac fought hard to win his third set 8-6. The score overall, 1-1 in rubbers.
Up next was Jack and Abby, again both very close matches, both going to 3 sets. Unfortunately both were unlucky to lose the 3rd sets, Jack 10-8 and Abby 7-2. Kent 3-1 down. Emma and Ella played their singles and couldn't quite bring Kent back on level terms. Kent now 5-1 down.
Jack and Isaac played together in doubles, this match was fantastic. Superb doubles play from the Kent boys to beat Sussex 7-2 9-7, extremely entertaining to watch in fact the best match of the day. Kent now 5-2 down, Abby and Emma lost their doubles in another closely contested match
8-6 7-5. Liam and Katie were also unlucky to lose 8-6 7-4. Kent lost 7-2 on rubbers to Sussex. The Sussex team won the important points at the right time. Team Kent fought very hard and were tough to beat. Here comes Surrey next for Kent.
The lose to Sussex had an effect on the Kent team. Surrey coming out of the blocks very quickly. Kent lost this match 9-0 in rubbers. Liam and Jack lost in three sets. Abby, Emma and Katie all lost in very close straight sets. Liam and Isaac were paired up in the doubles, they lost in 7-5 in the third set. Once again very good doubles from all four boys. Abby and Emma, Jack and Ella lost in straight sets too.
Team Kent were trying so hard to get a win to give them some momentum, unfortunately it never came. Moving on to the final match of the day against Middlesex, Middlesex were going for the 3rd win of the day to clinch the 9 and under county cup.
Team Kent's one goal, to be tough to beat against Middlesex. Middlesex raced into a 1-0 lead after Liam lost in straight sets. Isaac took the message to the extreme by winning the first set 7-4, then was unlucky to lose 13-11 8-6. Kent slip to 2-0 down.
Up steps Jack to play his final singles match, The first set was very rushed from Jack and he goes a set down. The momentum changes completely with some superb serving, aggressive hitting from the baseline and some ridiculous retrieving. Jack wins the next two sets 7-5 7-5. Kent on the board still 2-1 down. Abby playing really well the whole day gets Kent back on level terms with an emphatic win 7-3 7-3. Kent draw level 2-2. The momentum swings back to Middlesex with Emma and Ella losing in straight sets. Well done girls, both fought very hard and were tough to beat.
Kent 4-2 down, Liam and Jack to play their doubles rubber. If Middlesex win this rubber they win the whole event. Liam and Jack didn't give the Middlesex boys an inch. With great team work, some amazing volleys the Kent boys won the rubber 7-1 7-4. Kent still 4-3 down and still in with a chance. Unfortunately Team Kent ran out of steam losing the girls doubles and the mixed doubles. 6-3 to Middlesex.
I would like to compliment and thank all the players for having a fantastic attitude on the day, all their hard work and tremendous efforts. They did their parents, coaches, club, county and themselves proud. I would to thank all the parents for their commitment to the training days and for your superb support on the day.
Matthew Healy
9U Team Captain