The boy's team had a very successful National finals in Bolton this weekend, after a difficult start. They were put in a box group with Avon, Surrey and Hertfordshire, and lost 3-1 to both Surrey and Hertfordshire on the first day. Both Rory McDonald-O'Brien and Roan Jones gave us important wins in their singles matches.
On the second day, they came out fighting (Inspired by England's loss??) and beat Avon 4-0. All three singles matches were very close, with Matt Campbell winning in a third set tie break and both Roan and Rory winning in second set tie breaks. With other results in the group, it left Avon, Hertfordshire and Shropshire on one win each, and after a 'computer calculation', it seems that Shropshire had the most 'points' out of the three counties, so were given second place in the box. This meant the next match would determine if Shropshire would come 3rd or 4th in Great Britain.
After a lengthy break due to other counties completing their matches, Shropshire were lined up to play Cheshire, and went 2-0 up in the tie, with great wins from Roan and Rory. Unfortunately Shropshire lost the third singles and doubles, which sent the tie into a doubles shoot out to decide the winners.
Unfortunately, Cheshire were too strong and we lost the tie break to be crowned 4th best team in the country!!!
Shropshire Junior Team Coach, Pete Brown's quote: 'Can I congratulate all the team, Roan Jones, Rory McDonald-O'Brien, Tomas Cores-Birch and Matthew Campbell for an outstanding campaign and a well deserved 4th place in Great Britain, which is the highest position a team from Shropshire has achieved since I started this role in 2008. This group of players not only performed well, but conducted themselves as a complete support unit all weekend. The team spirit was there for all to see, and they were unlucky not to go one further and achieve 3rd place, after losing out on three tie breaks in a row to lose the match against Cheshire. Needless to say, it was an exciting finish to a great weekend of tennis.'