On the 18th November the U12’s were down in Corby for the 12 Counties event in Division 2B 2018/2019 season, they were up against Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
Zeferino Antonio was the team captain on the day, the team on the day for the girls consisted of Liana Sharrat-Blanksby, Mia Wainwright, Naomi Szczur and Sophie Lager, with Johnny Lees, Indy Weir, Jack Stamp, and Hugo Dunn playing for the boy’s team. A very strong team to continue the road to the promotion.
After a great start to promotion from the U16’s, the U12’s turned up in the morning with a positive attitude and a desire to overcome each and every match. Completing goal setting sheets before and after a match. Overall, Nottinghamshire ended the day with 18 wins and 6 losses.
The girls not dropping one set! Performed unbelievably throughout the day, Mia playing at number 2 not dropping a single game had a flawless day, staying focused and sticking to her game. Liana playing at number 1 dropping only 2 games on the day kept composed and rarely allowed her opponents to get comfortable. Both showing maturity on and off court throughout the day.
Naomi playing at 3 only dropping 4 games in all her matches combined, amazing ability to concentrate in tight moments. Sophie playing at number 4, taking comfortable wins in her first 2 matches. Her final match against Buckinghamshire was her biggest test, she overcame a much taller and older powerful baseline hitter by winning in the second set tie break 7-1! Perfect record for the girls and maximum points.
On to the boys, Indy gaining 3/3 wins after facing some tricky opponents, kept his cool and believed in his game regardless. He proved too powerful for the opposing counties. Johnny playing at 1 had to dig deep in all his matches, although he finished the day without a win, he took away valuable experience on court but most importantly he learned a lot and will only get stronger! Jack with 1/3 wins, again some tough opponents that were twice as big and slightly older, taking his only win to a third set tie break (10-3). Hugo taking 2/3 wins, with his loss being in a third set tie break (6-10) and the wins being in straight sets, all the boys showed character and team spirit especially off court, watching their peers and cheering on.
A special mention to Sophie Lager and Hugo Dunn, both 10 years old who competed in their very first 12 Counties Championship playing up an age group, and they did not disappoint, amazing courage and behaviour on and off court.
An amazing day for Nottinghamshire, great to see parents present on the day supporting and giving the team moral support in each and every match. The U10’s will be the next team to compete on the 8th December, good luck to them.
Zeferino Antonio – Captain