The team consisted of four boys and four girls. The boys representing Kent were Ben Gusic-Wan (Canterbury), Luca Tunon (Parklangley), Michael Nkereuwem (Canterbury) and Kobi Smith (Parklangley). The girls who representing Kent were Lois Newberry (Bromley Tennis Centre), Eloise Newberry (Bromley Tennis Centre), Daisy Rowland (Shooters Hill) and Henrietta Jeer (Canterbury).
After four enjoyable training sessions, where all the team put their maximum effort into the training, we were ready to try win the 9&U county cup for the third consecutive year in a row. This would be a massive task and all the team where ready for the challenge.
On the day Kent have to play Surrey, Sussex and Middlesex. Tom Samson from Canterbury was the Vice captain for Kent. Up first the Surrey a really tough match first. Both teams very equally matched.
Kent went 2-0 down in rubbers after Daisy had a tough 3 set match, Michael lost in two sets to an in form Sami. Then the momentum shifted towards Kent as we won the next four single rubbers. Eloise and Lois both won in three sets in very close well fought matches. Ben and Luca won in two sets, both boys showed amazing composure in these matches.
Kent 4-2 up in rubbers. Kent need to win one out of three doubles to beat Surrey. The boys doubles Luca & Ben went to 3 tight sets and just lost 10-8 in the third. The mixed doubles and the Girls doubles were on at the same time. The atmosphere and the support was fantastic!
Kobi & Eloise were fighting back to give Kent a chance for the win, unfortunately they lost 7-5 in the third. The score now 4-4 in rubbers. Henny & Lois playing in the girls doubles, they lost the first set 7-5, won the second 8-6 and were leading 4-1. The momentum was going back and fourth between Surrey and Kent.
This match was becoming the best ever 9&U County Cup match I have ever experienced as captain. The score now 4-4 in rubbers, 1 set all, 5 all in the third set. Henny was being targeted at the net by Surrey girls and Henny showing great reactions hit this volley and it lands just in too give Kent match point!! Henny hits this wonderful first serve to her opponent’s backhand which she couldn’t get back and after 2 hours Kent win 5-4! Both sets of players got a massive applause as it was a truly special match.
After Kent being very tough to beat next up were Sussex! Kent having the momentum won 5 out 6 singles. Kobi had a fantastic match winning in 3 sets, Henny, Eloise, Lois and Ben had convincing wins. Luca lost in 3 very close sets after showing great variety and ball striking.
The team went into the doubles knowing that Kent have won the match overall. Michael & Ben blow away the Sussex boys. What a doubles pairing they both make! Daisy & Eloise also had a great win in there doubles. Kobi & Henny came up against a strong mixed pair and lost in two sets. Overall Kent win 7-2. A very clinically performance from the team.
Kent take on Middlesex if they win this Kent would win the County Cup. This would be an extremely tough match. Daisy and Kobi put Kent into a 2-0 lead winning in 3 tight sets! Both players showing unbelievable character to grind their wins out.
Luca won in three sets. In the third set Luca took control of the game and the momentum was heading towards Kent. Both Eloise and Lois had well fought matches but just lost very narrowly. Throughout the day Ben has been conquering all the number boys. Ben was in fabulous form again and won in two sets to put Kent 4-2 up going into the doubles.
Michael & Ben, Henny & Daisy and Luca & Lois were the doubles pairing. Needing only one win to win the County Cup. Michael and Ben took the responsibility and put on a masterful performance to win in straight sets. This win confirmed that Kent won the 9&U Regional County Cup. The girls lost in 3 close sets and Luca & Lois won convincingly. The final score was 6-3 to Kent.
I would like to thank all the players who put their maximum effort into the training and on the day! It’s a massive achievement to win the county cup and they all should be very proud of themselves. Tom Samson was outstanding on the day and was a fantastic influence on the team.
The parents support was inspiration for all the players and was a key factor to the success of the day. The match against Surrey was truly what county cup is all about! It was an unbelievable experience and a pleasure to part of that with the team.
That’s three wins in a row now for Kent! Well done team on this achievement I wish you every success in your tennis!
Captain - Matt Healy