Last weekend Norfolk U18 boys travelled to Cardiff for group 4a of the annual County Cup event.
After the long drive on Thursday the nine boys of Louis, Jayden, Rico, Luie, Joseph, Oli, Luca, Gregor and James were itching to get going on Friday v Sussex.
A 3-3 singles scoreline meant all was to play for in the three doubles rubbers. The Norfolk boys came through all three of them giving the team a 6-3 opening day victory. Despite the win there was some areas to improve upon and at dinner that night a few words were had amongst the team and two captains.
Saturday’s opponents were Somerset who had lost to Durham & Cleveland on Friday. A fast start by Louis, James & Jayden had put Norfolk 3-0 up before Somerset fought back making it 3-2. An epic long number one singles match followed with Luca coming through it to put the team in a strong 4-2 lead heading into the doubles. Another solid doubles display meant Norfolk finished the job with a second successive 6-3 win.
Sunday was a straight shoot out verses Durham & Cleveland who themselves were unbeaten having had two wins on Friday and Saturday. Another fast start put Norfolk 4-0 before Durham & Cleveland rallied by making it 4-2 and taking it to the doubles. Louis and James paired up and did as they’d done all weekend and got the victory sealing promotion which sparked jubilant scenes amongst the Norfolk boys!
Credit must go to all nine of the boys, all of them played their part on or off court. Special mention to James for clean sweeping 6/6 matches across the weekend and to Rico who although didn’t play was an fantastic part of the team spirit off court and will no doubt be a big part of the team in future years.
Captain Crawley was full of praise for the teams display ‘a huge well done to all of the boys, their parents, their coaches and Kris, a very deserved promotion to group 3. The boys have come together twice a week for the past two years for indoor county training and the team spirit amongst them was evident to see. The long minibus journey home was rocking and DJ LAB was in fine form! To do the Corby and County Cup double this year is testimony to them all and a great way for seven of them to finish their junior county team years, some having played in the same team together since U8’s. Focus must now turn to next year and building a new team to tackle group 3.
The Girls remain in Div 5b after narrowly losing out to Gloucestershire. A great performance by the team was rewarded with well deserved victories against North Wales and Durham & Cleveland. Full report to follow.
