The Norfolk U12 boys were placed over at the Boston Tennis Centre in Lincolnshire for the last county cup event of 2024.
The team was Noah, Sam, Nathaniel, Albert & Joshua. Supported by captain Chris Stocker.
Vs Northants
Due to the nature of the format, the teams first match was on Saturday afternoon against a Northamptonshire team who had lost to Hertfordshire in the morning. The singles round ended 3-1 to Norfolk. Solid performances from Noah and Nathaniel were backed up with a gritty 3rd set win by Sam.
The doubles pairing of Sam and Albert lost their rubber, ruing some missed opportunities at sudden death deuce. This match ended while Noah and Nathaniel were on court for their doubles, adding to the importance of the win. Fortunately, they were already a set up, but an improved second set by their opponents resulted in a close 3-4 loss on a tie break. This meant the boys had to win the champions tie break in order clinch the match, which they did! 10-8 and leading to a 4-2 win on day 1.
Day 2, vs Herts
An earlier start on the Sunday put Norfolk against a strong Hertfordshire team who had were 5-1 winners against Northants on Saturday.
Despite taking on board instructions for their matches, Albert, Nathaniel and Sam weren't able to convert many of their game opportunities. 0-3 and Noah put up a good fight losing out 2 and 2 before our doubles pairs finished the match with losses for an 0-6 finish.
Vs Suffolk
A 3rd/4th playoff against Suffolk was inevitable! Rain also seemed inevitable, an early afternoon start to the fixture soon turned into a mid afternoon affair. Albert pushed his opponent all the way in the second set, and was unlucky not to go to a 3rd. Meanwhile on the next court, Nathaniel managed to remain calm under pressure and see his way through a straight sets win. 1-1 and another rain delay as Sam went a set down and Noah 2-0 up. Play continued indoors into the late evening. After a win for Noah and loss for Sam, we went into the doubles needing two wins to win the match outright. Noah and Nathaniel clinical with a 4-2 4-1 win, whilst Sam and Joshua just fell short 3-4 3-4 after two incredible tie breaks!
A shoot out was the only way to separate the teams, this ended at around 7:30pm, with a loss of 6-10. Noah and Sam giving their all to the cause but just coming up short.
A big thank you to all the players and parents who supported all weekend. Also to the venue & referees, who made all teams feel very welcome and provided a great atmosphere to compete in.
Chris Stocker - County Performance Officer
