It was the opening weekend for the annual '12 counties' inter county event. This event is hosted and co-ordinated by the Corby Tennis Centre, Northamptonshire. First up for this season were the U16's, who travelled to Northants on the 20th September to compete against Buckinghamshire, Hereford & Worcester, and Leicestershire. A unique event, which see's both boys and girls at the same venue on the same day, to compete in singles.

The team for this event was Jemima, Charlotte, Riya, and Letitia for the girls. Oscar, Mark, Noah, and Beau for the boys. 

The opening match of the day was against Buckinghamshire, who had just been relegated from division 1. Despite a close opening set from Mark, his match went the way of his opponent 4-5 2-4. The girls had a tough time against a very strong team and were unable to win a rubber. Our first win of the fixture came in the final match, with Beau winning a close first set 5-4, then consolidating in the second with a comfortable 4-1 finish.

Match #2 was against H&W. Oscar opened for the boys, but after an entertaining first set, was unable to convert his opportunities in the second. Mark lost out in another desperately close first set, and went on to lose another tightly contested match. Noah on the court next door, was embroiled in a tense battle of wills, taking the opening set but losing the second 3-5. On to a champions tie break (to 10) and Noah was edged out 10-7. The boys win came again from Beau who dispatched his opponent comfortably 1 and 0. The girls had a lot more to cheer for in some competitive matches against H&W, with Jemima and Charlotte playing some excellent tennis in the openers. Both were unfortunate to lose, with Jemima 6-10 in the 3rd set, while Charlotte lost 2-4 3-5 in hers. Riya and Letitia followed with some equally entertaining tennis, however were unable to convert the key points against physical oppoenents.

Match #3, Leicestershire. Jemima and Charlotte again provided glimmers of hope in their opening matches. Jemima just falling short, with Charlotte getting hers over the line with a 10-6 3rd set win! Riya and Letitia with improved performances in this round, but without the joy of adding to the girls tally. The boys were also hoping to add at least one win to their account, with Beau coming the closest. In his second 3rd set match of the day he was unlucky to lose out 5-10.

A tough day for the team, which does have the luxury of all but two players having another year to compete at this age group. One player still has another 4 years and will feature for the U12's soon!

Captain Chris Stocker was very pleased with how the players conducted themselves and supported each other until the end. The U12's will compete on the 9th November in the next stage.