Day 1 v Yorkshire
A great start for Notts with the first win on the board came from Marcus playing at number four with a 7 -5, 6- 2 victory. The only other win of the day came from the doubles pairing of Toby and Jonathan winning 6 – 4, 6 – 4. The other boys put in great displays but couldn’t turn them into victories against the higher rated and ranked players.
Day 2 v Middlesex
Playing against the clear favourites and last year's winners Notts needed a fast start to lift the moral of the team after day ones loss. Marcus lost 6 – 2, 6 – 2 against a player rated higher than himself and also 2 years older, but showed great promise for the future. Toby struggled with the high winds and could not get the ball to land in the court and also lost. Jonathan then produced what could only be described as the game of his life. Jonny took to the court and swept away his opponent in the first set 6 – 1. Knowing that his opponent had class, it was obvious he was going to come out stronger in the second set with Jonny losing it 6 – 4. With an audience gathering to watch the two players producing high class tennis and with Jonny looking down and out at 3 – 5, everything started to flow. Jonny eventually took the third set 7 -5 and was greeted to rapturous applause from the spectators. In the doubles, the pairing of Toby and Jonny once again proved to be fruitful narrowly winning the first set after coming from behind to win the tie break followed by a crushing second set display taking it 7 – 6, 6 – 2. Again Notts had lost overall 4 – 2.
Day 3 v Essex
With both counties without a win, it came to a straight head-to-head to decide third place. Marcus produced yet another fine display winning his singles followed by Donavon raising his game to new levels winning at number one. The other two boys unfortunately couldn’t keep the momentum going with two losses. With the score finely balanced at two wins each, it went down to the doubles. Jonny and Toby were up against some tough opponents and had some chances but were unable to turn them in to a victory. Donovan and Marcus could however, and won with a great display of teamwork. At three wins each, it went to a total sets won count back with Notts missing out by a single set.
Conclusion
The Nottinghamshire team had been relegated from division one but the boys, who had been the underdogs to stay in the division could hold their heads high. All the players put in a great display and pushed every team including the eventual winners Middlesex to the final set. With a young team 3 of the players will still be eligible to play for the team next year when we hope to bounce back.
I would like to thank to the team and supporters over the weekend for the enthusiasm and support they showed fro each other.
Dave Everington
14 & U Boys Captain.