Nottinghamshire 14 & U Boys put in a great effort at the 14 & U County Cup played at Graves Tennis Centre in Sheffield, but was unfortunately beaten by Yorkshire in the final to finish a valiant 2nd place.
The Nottinghamshire team started brightly in the fixture against Cumbria with a crushing 5 – 1 victory with singles wins from Marcus Walters playing at 1, Jonny Burke, Ross Lory. Taylor Hursthouse and Ross Lory then went on to win the doubles in straight sets with the other doubles claimed as a walkover.
Nottinghamshire vs Northumberland proved to be a tighter affair. After the singles the score was drawn at 2 – 2 with great victories from Marcus and Jonny. Going in to the doubles knowing that we needed both to go through to play for 1st and 2nd on the final added that extra edge to the matches. The formidable pairing of Donovan and Marcus playing as the number one pair eased the tension with an efficient victory putting Notts up 3-2. Knowing that only a victory in the other doubles would send us through due to an overall rubbers deficit meant everyone was taking note. Jonny Burke and Dominic West paired together raised their game to play some fantastic tennis finally winning 7-5, 6-3. Notts were through.
On the final Day Nottinghamshire were drawn against Yorkshire for the right to play at the National Finals. This was easily to be the boy’s toughest test of the weekend and a slow start for Notts saw the team 2 – 0 down after the first two singles matches. This was then turned into a 3-0 deficit after the 3rd singles match. At this point Donovan gave Nottinghamshire a glimmer of hope with an unbelievable singles victory. Donovan kept his calm and continued to hit winner after winner putting his opponent in a spin. A great win in three sets and it was all on for the doubles at 3-1 down. Nottinghamshire new lease of life was soon to be crushed however loosing the first doubles match. Keeping the score respectable and knowing the tie was over Donovan and Marcus continued with their doubles and took the victory after a tight three set match.
Overall, the boys can count themselves unlucky but that’s sometimes the way it goes at County Cup. Second place is no disgrace and will give the boys some valuable experience in the future.
Many thanks to the boys for a great weekend
Dave Everington
14 & U Boys County Cup Captain