As the boys arrived in Bolton for the U10 County Cup Finals there was an air of confidence after a successful qualifying campaign. The team of Harry Lazell, Charlie Watson, Luca Pow, Andrew Hayden and Leon Wallis were ready. Our group consisted of Cheshire, Lancashire and Middlesex a tough group.
First up Cheshire, Harry Lazell out first and not for a controversial moment in the 2nd set which swung the match could have been a great start. However Charlie Watson leveled the tie at 1-1 with a strong performance and Luca Pow thriving on the atmosphere of stepping up to green ball toughed out a big 11-9 tie break win.
Thanks to a comfortable doubles performance from Harry and Charlie Cheshire were beaten 3-1. Lancashire next and Harry straight out the blocks again giving us a 1-0 lead. Charlie backing that up with another solid performance 2-0 and with Leon Wallis next on it was an even contest, Leon started strong but couldn’t quite take the tie, 2-1. Into the doubles and Harry and Charlie not having it all their own way this time managed an important 3 set tie-break win, 3-1. An excellent 1st day leaving us with a winner takes all clash with Middlesex to decide the group.
With England the chatter around the dinner table fortunately the days play had exhausted them all to sleep. Harry on 1st thing and off to a flyer there was no stopping him 1-0, Charlie on next and for a moment in the 2nd when saving 4 match points the comeback was on but went down admirably on a tie break 1-1. Andrew Hayden making his 1st appearance in the finals proved how good a squad I had to pick from with an excellent performance and almost another stunning comeback 1-2. Into the doubles and the Warwickshire boy’s teamwork the difference in the tie 2-2 it was all down to a tie-break shoot out.
With the full support of the balcony Harry and Charlie became even stronger taking it 10-5. The Final here we come! Surrey with a very strong team lay in the way of our 1st ever U10 County Cup trophy. 1st on and brimming with confidence Harry Lazell won 4-0 4-1. A great start. Charlie couldn’t quite find the form of his last match 1-1 however Leon Wallis was on next and for the 3rd time today another big comeback was on the cards showing the type of spirit this team had.
So close 1-2! Into the doubles and Harry Lazell so brilliant around the net was causing big problems for Surrey and with Charlie Watson a rock when called upon made it 2-2. A tie-break shootout to decide our fete and with momentum with us a sensational start put us 5-1 up, a cause for a change of tactics from Surrey but nothing could stop Warwickshire now and a 10-4 win was a brilliant end to a fantastic campaign! Many thanks to all the players who were credit to themselves and to the parents for all the support throughout qualifying and the finals itself.
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Warwickshire U10 Champions, what a fantastic results, congratulations to everyone from Warwickshire tennis to those who were involved with the team from captain Simon Ferguson, to the team itself and to all the tennis parents who supported them.
