The only way was Essex for the Warwickshire ladies Winter County Cup team this weekend as they headed to the Redbridge Sports & Leisure Centre for their group 2a Aegon Winter County Cup matches. The team consisted of Natasha Hillyer, Alana Griffin, Luisa Cowper, Anjoli Foster, Maria Pandya, Ashwini Foster, Alice Hopkins and Katie Shaw.
Day 1, Warwickshire v’s Sussex:
The courts were very fast which suited the Sussex players more than Warwickshire players. Unfortunately Ashwini, Anjoli, Maria, Luisa and Natasha all began their campaign with defeats lost all players put up a good fight, but Warwickshire were just outplayed by a more experienced team.
However Alana won her singles playing at number 2, which was Warwickshire first win on the score sheet. Warwickshire also put in a goof performance in the doubles with Luisa and Alice and Natasha and Alana both wining their double matches. This left Warwickshire on the end of a 6-3 loss but there was still much tennis to be played.
Day 2, Warwickshire v’s Surrey:
The Surrey team had an extremely strong squad with their number one being no other than British number 14 and AEGON Classic regular Melanie South. Their team was also the one which won Division 1 not so long ago so the ladies knew it was going to be a tough day. Unfortunately it ended up being a day to forget for the team as they succumbed to 9-0 team despite battling to the end in all their matches.
Day 3, Warwickshire v’s Lancashire:
The final day of the tournament left a real relegation fight with the loser out of Warwickshire and Lancashire being relegated to Group 2 so it was all to play for. All the singles matches bar one went Warwickshire’s way giving the ladies a 5-1 lead and securing the tie before the doubles matches. This meant that Warwickshire Ladies stay in Division 2a which was a great achievement for the team. Team captain Katie Shaw was also pleased by the effort, good atmosphere within the team & great support of each other during the tournament.