We had 3 excellent training sessions to prepare for the event. All players were extremely focused and created a fantastic team atmosphere. On the day Kent would have to play Surrey, Middlesex and Sussex. As the 3-time reigning champions all players were ready to do their best to make it 4 in row!
The team arrived early to warm up and were fully prepared for the upcoming event. Sarah Wray (vice-captain) had the team focused and engaged for the impending challenge.
Kent v Surrey
Ben got Kent off to a winning start with a well-earned victory. Eloise was tough to beat in her match and narrowly lost in 3 sets. 1-1!
Cassius and Chloe Chea were up next playing as the number 2s. Cassius played a cool and calm match to exploit his opponent’s weakness to send Kent to a 2-1 lead. Chloe chased every ball and gave her best but unfortunately lost. 2-2.
Last year’s match against Surrey was remarkably close and tense. This match looked like it was going to be repeat. Chloe Cleaver and Erik were up next playing at 3.
Chloe achieved a convincing victory bringing the score to 3-2. Erik found himself in an epic battle and fought til the end. 3-3 in rubbers.
The last 3 rubbers were a girls’ doubles, a boys’ doubles and a mixed doubles match. Eloise and Celia were playing in the girls’ doubles. Ben and Tommaso were playing in the boys’ doubles. Kent found themselves match point down in the girls’ doubles and a set down in the boys’ doubles. Then a massive momentum shift happened! The Kent team dug their heels in and showed unbelievable character to win both rubbers to clinch the overall tie. 5-3 Kent!! In the mixed doubles Cassius and Chloe Cleaver played a solid match sadly losing in 3 sets. 5-4 Kent.
Fantastic effort from the players to clinch victory from the jaws of defeat. What a match again against Surrey!! Next up Middlesex!
Kent v Middlesex
Both counties had won their previous matches and confidence was high in both teams.
Ben and Eloise put Kent into an early 2-0 lead with convincing straight-set victories. Chloe Chea increased this to 3-0 with a close match. Cassius was enthralled in a titanic match in which he showed once again that pressure doesn't faze him, ultimately winning in 3 sets. Due to the incredibly cool and calm nature of both Chloe Chea and Cassius, Kent were in 4-0 up against Middlesex!
Kent just needed one more victory to win the tie overall. Both Chloe Cleaver and Erik rose to that challenge sending Kent 6-0 up to win the tie!
Ben and Cassius extended the lead to 7-0 with another routine win. Celia and Eloise showed once again what a competent pairing they are, but unfortunately Middlesex won in a tight 3-setter. 7-1 Kent!
Chloe Chea and Tommaso then completed the 8-1 victory by showing great teamwork and consistent play. The whole team responded well to the challenge of the Middlesex team. Kent were cool, calm and composed when the big points came along. Very impressive win from Team Kent. Next up: Sussex!!
Kent v Sussex
Kent needed to beat Sussex to win the 9&U county cup. Ben kicked off with a dominant performance. Eloise engaged in a tough match, but unfortunately couldn’t quite inflict enough pressure on her extremely steady opponent. 1-1.
With composed straight-set wins, Cassius and Chloe put Kent into a strong 3-1 lead. Tommaso and Celia were up next. Tommaso stormed into a 1-set lead and then fought hard to close the second set, achieving another straight-set win for Kent. 4-1 Kent.
The boys’ doubles went on whilst Celia was still engrossed in a terrific singles match. Erik and Cassius raced into a 1-set lead whilst Celia was battling hard in her third set. Both Kent matches finished simultaneously (with victories for Kent) meaning that Kent were 2017 9&U Regional Champions!!
Although it would not make a difference to the overall result, there were still two matches to go: the two Chloes were up in the girls’ doubles and Ben and Eloise in the mixed. Chloe and Chloe lost in 3 tight sets. Ben and Eloise finished the day with an entertaining performance to finalise the score 8-2 in rubbers.
All players showed extreme mental toughness dealing with the pressures of the day. Each player represented Kent to their greatest ability, so they should all be proud of their performances.
I would like to thank all of the parents for their support at training and on the day. This achievement wouldn't have been possible without it.
I would also like to say a massive thank you to all of the players! I couldn't have asked for more from each team member. They embraced every part of training and gave 100% effort in all of their matches. Everyone was kind and supportive of each other, showing excellent teamwork throughout the day. The calmness, composure and competitiveness from all players were critical factors in Kent winning the 9U Regional County Cup!
Matthew Healy – Team Captain