L to R: Alcester B pair Henry Beer & Ollie Linnett / Stratford pair James Richards & Oliver Murphy
The Wildmoor Spa League Junior Cup Final was played recently at Alcester Tennis Club between Stratford A and Alcester B teams. This was the first time ever that a B team had competed in a final after the Alcester B side beat their sister Alcester A team in Pool A during the season to qualify to reach first the Play-Offs and then the Junior Cup Final.
The 12 and under age competition, sponsored by the League President and Alcester man Tony King, began back in March with four Pools of four pairs playing each other and taking it in turns to host each month. Then in July a Play-Off Pool Night was held at Littletons Tennis Club when the four Pool winners, Alcester B, Littletons, Pershore and Stratford played each other with the top two sides reaching this Cup Final.
Under blue skies and being supported by a large crowd of parents, coaches and league officials, both sets of boys were keen to do well. Once again, as seems to be becoming a tradition, it was a very close match and despite Stratford A on paper appearing favourites, Alcester B had defeated them in the play-offs and were brimming with confidence. However, with this being a best of three sets cup final the contest was extremely even. First blood went to Alcester B as Henry Beer and Ollie Linnett took the set 6-3. Stratford’s duo James Richards and Oliver Murphy hit back to level at 1-1 when they took the second set 6-3. Games went to the wire before Alcester B broke through to take the set 6-3 and the match 2 rubbers to 1 and lift the 2018 Junior Cup.
The 2018 Junior Cup Champions before the Final. L to R: Alcester B pair Henry Beer & Ollie Linnett
The Wildmoor Tennis League President, Alcester man Tony King who also sponsored the entire Junior League, presented all the boys with individual awards and of course the cup. The Junior League Organiser, who also happens to be the League Secretary, Corin Bishop, also presented a cheque for £50.00 from the Wildmoor Summer Tennis League to Alcester tennis club to develop their junior section as part of their reward as champions. A free buffet was also supplied by the league after the presentations.