On Saturday 26th April, the boys and girls Berkshire team took part in the 8U County Cup in Southampton. Berkshire's 10U Performance Tennis Lead, Nigel Mann, was with them. Here's his report of the event:
"We were grouped with Avon, Wiltshire and Hampshire & IoW. The format of the event was each players played 2 singles against each county. When all the singles were completed the players played 1 doubles against each county.
The Berkshire boys (Sascha, Casper, Wiliam, and Jeffrey) were a strong unit. They looked technically good but could they apply themselves to get the win? Their first match against Avon was potentially a title decider! After the first round of singles the score was 2-2. After a short Team tactical discussion, the boys stepped up and won every singles in the 2nd round creating an unbeatable 6-2 lead. The boys dominated in the singles in the matches against Hampshire and Wiltshire winning quite comfortably with the boys playing aggressive but controlled tennis. In the doubles, the boys communicated well but lost the majority of the matches, but it couldn’t stop their smiles and energy in the knowledge that they were going to be Champions.
The girls group was always going to be a tighter contest. Once again, the Berkshire Girls (Annabel, Saanvi, Takshvi, Rae) were 2-2 with Avon after the first round but through some excellent tight performances took a 5-3 lead. The girls followed up with 6-2 singles lead against Wiltshire. Going into the final match at the top of the group, Berkshire again showed singles dominance to take a 5-3 singles lead. Now to the doubles with a win against Wiltshire guaranteed but needing to win 1 doubles against both Avon and Hampshire &IOW. Every doubles went to the final few points. We secured a 6-4 win against Avon. Going into the final doubles matches against Hampshire we needed 1 doubles win to take the title. Unfortunately, we lost both doubles by the narrowest of margins 11-9 and 10-8. Down to the mathematicians! Berkshire won the Group on Matches! Well done the Girls Team showing every matches counted so what a team effort!
After nearly 4 hours, the Berkshire team were exhausted both physically and mentally and probably most of them enjoyed a nice little sleep on the way back home.
Not only did we make memories we came back as Winners! Well done Berkshire, you represented the County brilliant in terms of Sportsmanship, Professionalism and Quality!"
Well done Team Berkshire!