Team – Angela Halton, Christie Halton, Alice Gamman, Lucy Evans and Rosalind Battey
So this year, saw Lincolnshire 14&Under girls head over to Wrexham Wales for their County Cup event. It was a long drive on the Saturday morning with all girls feeling a little sick from blowing up too many balloons. Don’t ask!!
Saturday afternoon – Kent v Lincolnshire Doubles
Upon arriving early for a 2.00pm start, we walked on court for our 2 doubles matches against Kent. Tough first opponents. Alice Gammon and Angela Halton doubles pair number 1 had a tough battle losing 7-5 6-2 and Rosalind and Lucy fell 6-2 6-2 down. 2-0 down after the doubles, not the best start but we knew we were up against it.
Sunday Morning – Kent v Lincolnshire Singles
It was going to be a tough day for Lincolnshire with a lot of tennis to play so an early start and a good breakfast was needed by all. First thing on the list was the singles against Kent. Angela took on the number 1 seed, Alice had a tough match at number 2 seed as did Lucy at number 3 seed, after the 3 singles we were 3-0 down. All girls put in a great effort and competed for every ball. Then Christie stepped on court to take on the number 4 seed. The first set flew past and she lost it 6-1, Christie then started playing and managed to take the second 6-4 and then took the third set 6-3. What a come-back it was!! Final result was 5-1 to Kent.
Sunday Afternoon – Lincolnshire v Somerset
After a quick lunch break and rest period, it was then time to take on Somerset. Angela had another really tough match at number 1 seed, as did Christie at number 3 seed. Lucy Evans had a great battle at number 2 seed losing 6-3 in the 3rd set. Rosalind took the place of number 4 seed and put in a great effort however it wasn’t to be, 4-0 down after the singles.
We then took them on in the doubles and lost both rubbers. 6-0 defeat to a very strong Somerset team who had beaten Kent the previous day on a shoot out!!
Monday morning – Lincolnshire v South of Scotland
Woke up and it was raining, brilliant!! Just what you want you are playing on outdoor acrylic. Due to the courts being wet and not very clean, play didn’t start for Lincolnshire until midday.
So a quick trip to Sainsbury’s for the girls to stock up on more balloons and silly string!! (Again. Don’t ask!!) South of Scotland was in the way of Lincolnshire girls finishing 5th.
Referee’s decision was to play short sets to 4 and if there was a result after the singles then the doubles would be forgotten due to the long trip home for Lincolnshire team and the South of Scotland team. Angela was first on and after a couple of days of some very tough tennis playing at number 1 seed. She played brilliantly with very few errors and won 4-2 5-4 (7-4), Alice played at number 2 seed and played her best tennis all weekend winning 4-2 4-1, Lucy at number 3 seed took less than 45 minutes to win her singles winning 4-0 4-0. 3-0 up!! This is better!! Rosalind then played at number 4 and had a tough match, the girls were very evenly matched and points lasted forever!! She dropped the first set 4-0 (not a great start), she picked herself up and took the second set 4-0. Tie-break for the third set it was. It was tense to say the least and very close, but Rosalind held her nerve and took the breaker 11-9!! Great effort!!
All the girls were a pleasure to have and represented their county of Lincolnshire very well. All girls put the work in on the court and were great fun of the court!! Thank you very much to Wrexham Tennis Centre for hosting the event!!
Until next year!!
