What a Weekend!!!
Middlesex Girls cruised through qualifying to reach the 2018 Finals in Nottingham. Seeded 1, the girls had a tougher start against Essex. Ranah and Given won their singles however despite putting up a fight it was 2-all heading into the doubles. Pairings of Mayela/Andrea and Given/Ranah dominated the doubles to beat Essex 4-2. The girls raced to a 4-0 win against Leicestershire and completed a 6-0 win in the doubles the next day.
On Day 2, Middlesex faced Yorkshire for a place in the finals. Andrea, Ranah and Given had routine singles wins to take a 3-0 lead, Mayela got off to a strong start against Yorkshire #2 Millie taking the first set 6-4, however Millie took the next 2 sets to make it 3-1 Middlesex heading to doubles. Ranah and Given ensured victory with a 6-0 6-0.
On Finals Day, Middlesex faced second seeds Surrey. Ranah took the first singles winning 7-5 6-2 however Surrey's Celine equalised against Given in 3 sets to make it 1-1. Middlesex's Mayela and Andrea took the #1 and #2 singles 6-1 7-5 and 6-0 6-1 respectively to make it 3-1 heading into the doubles.
The experienced pairing of Given and Ranah took the doubles 6-0 6-2 to seal the win for Middlesex.
The boys had a much tougher draw this year - they qualified with a tough match against Warwickshire narrowly taking the Tie-break shoot out to make it to Nottingham.
Seeded 3rd, Middlesex were drawn in a box containing 1st seeds Surrey, Hertsfordhire and Chesire. Starting off Day 1, Middlesex faced eventual winners Hertfordhire. Middlesex and Hertfordshire exchanged wins throughout the match ending at 3-3 which meant another Tie-break shoot out. Unfortunately Herts edged the shoot-out which meant Middlesex faced Surrey in Round 2 to keep their hopes alive.
Surrey proved too strong for Middlesex taking the match 5-1. The boys faced Cheshire in Round 3 and had another tough match - again taking it to another Tie-breakshoot out. Middlesex won this Tie break shoot out and faced 5/6th place play off on Day 3. Unfortunately facing another very tough match they lost 4-2 to Cumbria.
Congratulations to both our Middlesex teams who did Middlesex proud over the weekend.
Next stop on the County Cup Journey is 10U County Cup Qualifying this weekend 26/27th May where both teams are aiming to qualify for the finals.