U14 Norfolk Boys – County Cup Division 2E Match Report (May 4th - 5th)
The U14 Norfolk boys travelled to North Oxford Tennis Club to compete in the U14 County Cup, Division 2E. The team consisted of Finley, Oscar, Noah, Elliott, George, and Sam, and was captained by Alex Watkinson and Ben Collingwood. For most of the boys, this marked their final U14 County Cup before moving up to the next age group.
Norfolk were drawn in a group alongside Berkshire and Oxfordshire, with a spot in the playoffs on the line.
Group Match 1: Norfolk vs Berkshire
The boys fought hard in a competitive opening match, but Norfolk narrowly lost 4-2. There were several close rubbers, with Elliott coming heartbreakingly close after holding match points before falling 11-9 in a deciding tie-break. Noah secured a solid singles win, and Oscar and Finley claimed a well-earned doubles victory, edging their opponents 10-6.Group Match 2: Norfolk vs Oxfordshire
Norfolk started strong in the singles, taking a 3-1 lead thanks to excellent performances from Finley, Oscar, and Noah. However, Oxfordshire mounted a comeback in the doubles. Finley and Oscar, playing at first pair, lost a tight match in two tie-break sets, while Noah and Sam were edged out in a closely contested rubber.The tie came down to a shootout, with Oscar and Noah stepping up. Despite their efforts, Oxfordshire claimed the shootout to win the tie 4-3.
5th/6th Playoff: Norfolk vs Suffolk
After regrouping with a team meal and a round of mini golf, the boys were ready for their final match against Suffolk. Norfolk found themselves trailing 1-3 after the singles, with Noah picking up an important point by winning two tight tie-break sets. Finley, Oscar, and Elliott showed great determination, but the Suffolk players proved too strong in their matches.The focus then shifted to the doubles. George and Noah paired up at second pair in what became the match of the weekend. After losing winning the first set in a breaker and losing the 2nd, and going 4-9 down in the 3rd set match tie-break, the boys staged a remarkable comeback. At 8-9, George held his nerve to deliver two huge first serves, turning the tide and helping Norfolk secure the rubber 14-12.
On the neighbouring court, Finley and Oscar battled hard in another tight doubles contest. Ultimately, Suffolk clinched the match in a third-set tie-break 10-5, securing a 4-2 win and resulting in Norfolk finishing 6th place overall.
Each player who represented Norfolk was a credit to the county, demonstrating outstanding teamwork, attitude, and maturity both on and off the court. A heartfelt thank you to the parents for their continued support and to the coaches who work tirelessly with each of the boys throughout the year to develop their game.
We wish the players moving up into the U18 county cup age group all the very best in their continued tennis journeys. Well done to the team on another competitive and positive County Cup performance.
