9&U Kent Team = County Cup domination 2015!
After the success of winning the 9&U county cup last year the challenge was to defend the title this year. 3 out of 8 players who competed last year came back this year to compete, they were Hugo Coquelin, Timmy Viding and Daisy Carpenter. I was delighted with the strength and depth of the 5 new team members who were Ulrich Nienaber, Gabia Paskaukas, Lois Newberry, Frankie Fisher and Gabriella Buddle-Smith.
After 4 high level quality training sessions the team were ready to compete. The players showed great team spirit and they were up for the challenge of retaining the county cup. Kent had to face Surrey, Sussex and Middlesex. Davor Baretic, the 10&U boys captain was the vice-captain on the day.
First up were Middlesex. Hugo and Ulrich went on to play their singles, they both came out of the blocks fast and took the first set in both their matches. In an intense and hostile atmosphere both Kent boys won in straight sets. 2-0 Kent in rubbers.
Timmy and Daisy then took to the court. Daisy stormed Kent into a 3-0 lead with a convincing win. Timmy was battling his way through his first match once again under immense pressure by the opposition. Showing great experience Timmy won the match to send Kent into a 4-0 lead!
Gabia and Lois where next up and with one more win Kent would beat Middlesex! Both girls didn’t disappoint showing composure to win the match and win the match for Kent. 6-0 Kent!
Kent still had to play a boys doubles, girl’s doubles and a mixed doubles. Frankie and Ulrich played the boys doubles, Gabia and Daisy played the girls doubles and Timmy and Gabby played the mixed doubles. With some delightful doubles play, the boys and girls won in straight sets. Timmy and Gabby lost the mixed after a very tight first set, to lose in straight sets. 8-1 Kent - the highest ever victory for Kent 9&U Team. Could it be possible to retain the County cup?
Next up Sussex. Hugo and Ulrich went on to play Sussex 1 and 2. The opening set for both boys were very close in which Hugo lost his first set and Ulrich stayed cool to take the first. Then suddenly the whole team raised their game! Ulrich wins his match showing a master class in serving and Hugo starts hitting winners after winners to send Kent into a 2-0 lead! Come on Kent!
In the next 4 matches Kent only lose 17 points to lead and take the match against Sussex! Timmy, Daisy, Gabia and Lois were just unbeatable; 6-0 Kent! The next 3 doubles matches were of the highest quality! Hugo and Ulrich entertained the team, coaches and spectators with some unbelievable tennis! Gabby and Daisy raised the level again with a comfortable straight set win! Well done girls putting Kent into an 11-0 lead! Lois and Frankie decided to show true determination to send Kent into a 12-0 lead! Both of them never gave up and with tactical teamwork won the match in 3 sets!
12-0 white wash of Sussex. What a statement to send out. Next up the old rivals Surrey. Kent win this and we have retained the County Cup. Davor and I were overwhelmed with the teams high standard.
The team raised their game to a different level against Surrey. The team were so confident at believing in themselves and each other. Surrey’s number 1 had no answer for Hugo; 1-0 Kent. Ulrich came across a really difficult opponent but once again his big hitting and serving put Kent 2-0 up.
Timmy, Daisy, Gabia and Lois are on fire. In 4 matches they only lose 11 points this time between them. Kent retain the county cup. 6-0 Kent. What a team performance from all of them. After the excitement of winning, it was back down to business for the doubles. 3 straight set victories by Timmy and Hugo, Lois and Gabia, and Frankie and Daisy for Kent beating Surrey 12-0 overall. A truly emphatic win.
I would like to thank and praise every team member for their high quality tennis, team spirit, relentless determination and superb sportsmanship. You did your parents, coaches, team captains, team members and most importantly yourselves proud!
Thank you parents for your commitment to the team training and massive support on the day. I would like to thank Davor for all his advice and support on the day.
Well done team on this huge achievement! It truly is record breaking what the 9&U Kent team have done!
Matt Healy