Team: Anna Buckley, Jessica Spencer, Millie Wileman, Alexandra Kepa
Gabriel Johnson, Daniel Wright, Phoenix Weir, Puneet Sunner
Amelia Rajecki had to withdraw from the team due to illness, also Eva Shaw pulled out at the last minute. We were left with a young girls team as the non travelling reserves also were not available. Millie Wileman and Alexandra Kepa came into the team at very late notice, so a big thank you to them.
The first round was against Leicestershire, Anna lost in straight sets to Anna Chesca, Jessica had to move up two places in the team, but played very well against Lilia Boubikova. She lost the first set 0-4, but playing with more depth and consistency she won the second 5-3, going on to win the tie break 10-1. I don’t usually mention ratings, but on this occasion Jessica a 5-2 beat Lilia a 3-2, she has improved so much over the last 3 months – well done. Millie played well in the first set but it just slipped away 3-5 2-4, Alexandra who had not played for the County before, lost in straight sets to a more experienced player.
Gabriel played well but was up against Alex Solenko a 1.2 rating, he lost the first set 2-4, never gave up, going down 3-5 in the second. A great chance to play someone of that standard. Daniel did his best, but again he was against a more experienced player going down in straight sets. Phoenix had a great match against Andrew Laurel. He won the first set 4-1, lost the second 0-4, but fought on to win the match tie break 10-5. Again, I shall flag up these ratings – Andrew 3-2 – Phoenix 6-2, well done, a great win. Puneet also had tough match against an older stronger boy lost in straight sets.
The overall score in this round was 6-2 to Leicestershire.
The second round was against Hereford & Worcestershire, Anna had a comfortable two sets win, as did Jessica, Millie had a great match, going to a very tight match tiebreak, sadly going down 12-14. Alexandra played a solid match to win against a higher rated player to win 4-1, 5-3.
Gabriel had another tough match against Alex Maggs 1-2 rating, some counties have their strongest players competing, he played well but went down in two sets. Daniel also had a tough match, but took Luke Pycock to a match tie break losing 5-10. Phoenix played yet another solid match winning 4-0, 5-3. Puneet also played a solid consistent match to win 4-0, 4-0.
These results gave the team a 5-3 win.
The final round was against Bedfordshire, Anna and Jessica both played well but went down in straight sets to the Ogunwale sisters, very talented. Millie had a good win 5-3, 4-2, as did Alexandra 4-0, 4-0.
Gabriel played a solid match winning 4-2, 4-2, Daniel lost the first set 4-2 came back to win the second 4-0, but sadly lost the match tie break 10-7. Phoenix played so well in this last match, he won the first set 5-3, keeping his focus throughout, as his opponent’s court behaviour was terrible. He went on to comfortably win the second set 4-1. Puneet won the first set, but his opponent retired injured so giving us the second set.
The team result this round was also a 5-3 win.
Notts came second to Leicestershire, a great result as the team was deplete of the top players particularly on the girls side. Our thanks to Millie and Alexandra who came at such short notice.
My thanks as always to the parents for their support in such cold conditions.
Jane Stokes