Friday

Our weekend started unpleasantly with a 5 hour drive up to Bolton however it was broken up with some flappy golf to keep the atmosphere alive and competitive. Upon arrival we checked into the rooms, Hyman drew the short straw and was paired up with Rik, a mental challenge that no one would look forward to. That evening we ventured out to Nando's, a place where only one of us had been exposed to before, after a long explanation of how it worked to Hyman we could order and eat. We drove back to the hotel where we then walked over to the courts taking an alternative route around the back of the hotel, this proved eventful as some unsuspecting girls found themselves being photobombed while taking selfies. After a solid hour of practice a couple of forfeits had to undertaken by Hyman and Knox for losing a 10 point tiebreak. As Knox had so many Talbot Heath friends on the next court his was to go and give one of them a high five, after being rejected by two of them he shamefully had to go onto the next court across where he found some success. Hyman however had to shake the receptionist's hand on the way out, being the awkward person he is his hand was out before he had even asked for the gesture, unlike Knox he wasn't rejected. After a group stretch in our rooms we went to bed early ready for the next day.

Saturday

We were all up early and first into breakfast, I knew I had done my job well when everyone turned up on time. After a physical warm-up we had a game of football outside while we waited for a practice court. After a quick practice we were ready for our first match, Culford. Each match had one court so everyone could support, this made a great atmosphere. Myself and Rik took on Culford's 2nd pair doubles. We both felt fresh and energised as we despatched them 6-2, Rik served well and we both made some great interceptions. Next Hyman and Knox took on the 1st pair, this match proved difficult and after a comeback to 4-3 we lost out 6-3, they both played well but the opposition proved too strong. Rik continued his good form and won his singles 6-2. While Knox proved he knew how to get his first win on the board with a 6-2 win at No.3. We had a 3-1 lead and needed just one more win from our last 2 singles to take a team victory however both Hyman and I failed to produce a standard high enough to take the win losing 6-2 and 6-0 respectively (Hyman playing U14 National Champion Harry Wendelken). A 10-point shootout was required to decide the victor between the 2 teams and after a short discussion it was decided that Hyman and Knox would play this. After a tense few points (and 7-5 down at one point) we got over the line and the team spirit was at an all time high.

The next match was against Repton. The jubilation had seemed to affect Rik as he struggled for energy in the doubles which we lost 7-5 however we were soon back on level terms after Hyman and Knox won 6-0. After a few soft and wise words from Erin and a gentle nudge from myself we got Rik back up for the singles and after a huge effort he got over the line 6-4. Knox confirmed his great singles form and took the win 6-2. In the same situation as the morning I stepped up my game and took the win at No.2 from 3-1 down, however it wasn't without difficulty as it took me 7 match points at 5-4 to cross the line. Meanwhile Hyman struggled with his opponent at No.1 but knew after a couple of games that the match was a dead rubber and we had won. We were the last match on court finishing at 7 but managed to fit in a good meal at Bella Italia.

Sunday

The whole team although tired were pumped for the national final this day. Me and Hyman practiced from 8:30 while Knox put in a shift with a Talbot Heath girl. And soon after this we were ready for Merchiston Castle who had beaten Culford and Repton like us but doing so 6-0 in both. Both doubles pairings were outplayed and we knew it was going to be a tough day. However the team pulled together and focused on the war in front rather than the battles we'd just lost. Rik proved he had more fight left in him and won a huge match from a break down 7-5. This turned the momentum and everyone believed. Knox was next to step up, the ground work he had previously put in had served him well and he played a joke to level up the tie at 2-2. The next 2 singles proved too strong and although me and Hyman stepped up a level and put every energy into the fight we couldn't overturn their strength. We were defeated but we kept our heads held high and went down gracefully as we had still accomplished a lot being crowned the second best U15 team in the UK.

A big well done to the team who fought in true Millfield style and maintained a great discipline and attitude on and off court. Also a big thank you to Matt and Erin for putting up with us for a whole weekend and helping us achieve our goals on court.

By Matt Crofts (captain)