Team : Anna Buckley, Moira Johnson, Amelia Rajecki, Jessie Beiley
Nottinghamshire were playing at The Graves Tennis Centre, Sheffield. We were in a group of 5, the Isle of Man dropping out. The first round was against Middlesex always a strong county. Our girls put up a great fight but were out played by players at least two ratings above them and a tennis year older. Jessie played well to win a set 6-4, but the third set then also slipped away. Rain then stopped play and we were unable to complete the doubles that day. We woke to heavy rain so no play until midday. The girls played the doubles, but also lost in straight sets.
The format for the next round was changed to short sets to 4, with a match tie-break third set, because so much time had been lost by the poor weather. We were to play Staffordshire who earlier that day had beaten Derbyshire. The girls did not go on until 4-30 pm so had been waiting a long time to play. Anna lost in straight sets to Mae McCutchen a year older and physically very strong. Moira won the first set going to a tie-break at 4-4, she the lost the second set, but went on playing well to win a tight match tie-break 11-9. Amelia also had a close match winning the first set 4-1, then losing the second, but went on to win the match tie-break 10-5. Jessie had a comfortable win 4-2, 4-1 against Hannah Crisp. Both the doubles went on at the same time, we only needed to win one. Anna and Amelia lost the first set, with Moira and Jessie winning the first. Anna and Amelia went on to win the second on a tie-break, and also the match tie-break 10-7. Jessie and Moira lost the second set, went up in the match tie-break, having two match points lost it 10-12. This gave us an overall win of 4-2.
The final day was against Derbyshire, playing for 3/4th place, Jessie and Amelia were on first, they both played well, putting us 2-0 up. Moira and Anna both had convincing wins, giving Notts a 4-0 win. The girls wanted to play the doubles although they were dead rubbers, which they both won easily.
Middlesex won all there other rounds easily, so going through to the National finals to be played in Nottingham in two weeks’ time.
There was great team spirit throughout the weekend, despite the rain and hanging around. A lot of card games were played. My thanks go to the parents who came to support and particularly to Michelle for all her help.
Jane Stokes (Captain)
Summary of results:
Notts v Middlesex – Lost 6-0
Notts v Staffordshire – Won 4-2
Notts v Derbyshire – Won 4-0
Overall position = 3rd
For full results – U14 Girls County Cup results