Over the weekend the 11u county girls team travelled to Boston Tennis Club to compete against Oxfordshire, Suffolk and Bedfordshire. The team selected was Sofia, Amelija, Imogen and Sophia.
The weekend started against Oxfordshire, and we knew this would be a tough first round. After four very close singles matches, we were 2-2, meaning we needed the doubles for the win. The girls dug deep and after the doubles we were 3-3, resulting in a championship tiebreak shootout. Imogen and Sophia were elected to play. Unfortunately, the shootout did not swing our way resulting in defeat.
Next to face were Suffolk, again knowing they would difficult opponents. After the first round of singles, we were 2-0 down. Imogen facing a third set tiebreak which was extremely close, but sadly ended in defeat. Her attitude and performance was joyful to watch and she played some awesome tennis. Second round of singles brought it back to 2-2 thanks to Amelija and Sofia. The doubles took us to another tiebreak shootout after finishing the matches at 3-3. The pressure was on again for another tense shootout, this time selecting Sofia and Amelija. Yet again, another sad result losing the shootout. Several tiebreakers were played after day 1, and all girls showed brilliant persistence.
The end of Saturday, we knew we had finished third in our box, meaning Bedfordshire were the next challenge.
After the first round of singles, we were 1-1 in matches. Imogen securing the win, and Sophia only just losing her singles in a tense tiebreak third set. Second round of singles played, finishing yet again at 2-2. Decided to keep the same double pairings for the final day, with Sofia and Imogen at one, and Amelija and Sophia at two. Finally, the long-awaited result we were hoping for, both pairs won their doubles, resulting in a win 4-2 against Bedfordshire. Overall, a 5th place finish, which sadly does not reflect the tremendous performance from all Norfolk players.
The girls were fantastic over the weekend and were great to work with. They were all responsive to the suggestions I made when I went on court and implemented all tactics and strategies I had ask. Overall, a positive weekend with much to take away.
Rosie Pooley - U11’s Captain