TEAM : Haydn Oakes, Daniel Wright, Harry Peacock, Morgan Jones.
Millie Wileman, Daisy Banks, Caroline Smart, Freya Barry.
The 10U’s were the second team to play in this season’s competition. The first round was against Hereford and Worcestershire, playing with green balls, best of three tie break sets, with a sudden death deuce.
Round 1 v Hereford and Worcestershire
Millie played well winning a tough first set 5-3, gaining confidence won the second 4-1. Daisy had a very easy first set win 4-1, and went on to play a solid game to win 5-3. Caroline and Freya both had tough matches against more experienced players, both losing in two sets.
Haydn played his usual positive tennis winning 5-3, 4-1, with Daniel also playing a solid game to win 4-1, 4-2. Harry had a nervous first match loosing in straight sets, Morgan lost the first set2-4, played a great second set to win 5-3, but then lost the match tie break 6-10.
These results gave Notts a 4-4 draw.
Round 2 v Buckinghamshire
The second round was against Buckinghamshire. Millie played well, but lost in straight sets to a stronger, consistent player. Daisy had a tough first set playing well, but again her opponent was just too strong, she lost 3-5, 1-4. Caroline was against another good player, she also lost in straight sets. Freya played a better match with most games going to deuce with the sudden death rule on our side. Freya managed 4-4 in the first set, but sadly lost the tie break 4-7 and then lost the second set. Haydn had an easy win playing a very solid consistent game, Daniel won the first set 4-0, then the second slipped away 0-4, but he came back to win the match tie break 10-6. Harry again had a tough time losing in straight sets, with Morgan winning the first set 4-2 playing some great tennis, then losing the second 0-4, he played the match tie break well, but went down 7-10.
Notts overall result was 2-6.
Round 3 v Essex
The third round was against Essex, Millie played a much better match, keeping her concentration to win 4-1, 5-3. Daisy struggled against a stronger player who hit a very flat ball, losing in straight sets. Caroline and Freya were both against more experienced girls also losing in straight sets. The boys also had a tough time, Haydn played his usual attacking game, but his opponent had an amazing defensive game - every rally was at least ten strokes. Haydn fought on but lost 0-4, 0-4. This match really demonstrated how difficult it is to put the green ball away! Daniel also had a marathon match where he won the first set 4-2, then went on to win the set tie break 7-3. Harry and Morgan played well but again lost to more experience boys in straight sets.
Overall
The boys came second in the group, with Essex winning and the girls came fourth, with Essex and Bucks on a draw. There was a great team spirit throughout the day - my thanks go to the parents for their support.
Jane Stokes