The boys team which consisted of Jake Hersey, Ben Brewster, Mx Guo and Rob Yates performed well in the regional play offs in order to book their place at the National Finals in Bolton on the 14-15th July.
We arrived late on the Friday night to ensure we got settled in and ready to practice on the Saturday morning. Unfortunately we received a tough draw coming up against the number 1 seeds Hertfordshire in the first round. The match ups were very close but unfortunately Hertfordhsire proved too strong on the day winning all 3 singles matches and the doubles.
We then pitched up against a very strong Surrey side in the next round. Jake lost a tough game at number 1, Ben drew the sides level with an excellent performance at number 2 and Max lost a close match at number 3. We went into the doubles 2-1 down in matches. Rob Yates was called into the doubles to partner Jake and they performed well as a team winning is straight sets. This took the game to a deciding match tie break. After Jake and Rob’s doubles success they were called upon to repeat their heroics and recorded a very impressive win 13-11 in the match tie break fighting off 3 match points with some excellent net play.
We then had to play Essex for 5/6th place. Jake lost a closely fought match in the match tie break whilst Ben and Max both won convincingly at number 2 and 3. Jake and Ben played the doubles but lost unfortunatley in the match tie break 12-10. This took the match down to another shoot out. Jake and Ben were called upon again and competed well but lost narrowly to a storng Essex pair.
This meant we finished 6 overall but recorded some good performances along the way. The boys developed throughout the weekend and learnt a lot about how to play the big points and the value of working together as a doubles pair.
The boys performed well and enjoyed the weekend, I look forward to seeing them make the step up to under 14 County Cup next year.
Matt Thomas