U18 Girls County Cup Report

Group 4, Aberdeen – March 2023

Captains; Jordan Simpson & Lauren Jones

Team; Teodora Prisadnikova, Aimee Knowles, Abby Kelliher, Jess Hart, Lara Savic, Sophie Jackson, Georgina George, Amelie Atchia

After sealing promotion to group 4 in 2022, the girls 18u squad travelled north to Aberdeen for this year’s event hunting similar results and a move up into group 3.

Day 1 / 7-2 win vs West of Scotland

Day one of the event saw a positive start to the weekend with strong performances throughout the singles which had things sealed up in the tie before the start of the doubles. This tie offered up a debut opportunity for Georgina at 18u County Cup and although the result didn’t go her way, she fought well within the new environment. Lara came out on top of a competitive 3 setter, finding a great level early doors in the third set and going on to a 6-0 win.

5-1 up after singles, pairs of Aimee & Teddy, Jess & Lara teamed up well to finish the tie off – a confident start to the weekend’s competition.

Day 2 / 7-2 win vs North Wales

The positivity continued on day 2 with the girls once again showing dominance on the singles court, leading the tie 5-1 before doubles rubbers took place. Amelie lost out in a close fought battle at number 6 singles against one of the stronger players in the North Wales line up. Teddy came through a super competitive second set tiebreak in her singles to finish off the tie.

Moving into the doubles, Aimee & Teddy put on another dominant display at number 1 pair with Georgina and Amelie picking up a great win at number 3. Jess and Lara lost out in a shootout in an entertaining matchup against the two stronger players North Wales had to offer, a match that could’ve gone either way.

Day 3 / 7-2 win vs East of Scotland

Back-to-back wins on the first two days made a real statement heading into the third and final day, playing for promotion against East of Scotland. The team was strengthened on day 3 with the addition of Abby Kelliher, joining the team in an attempt to help secure promotion for a second year running.

The first two singles matches of the day saw Sophie and Lara get stuck into some good level match-play, with Lara taking a competitive first set before winning the second comfortably and Sophie losing out in a well fought three setter. Both Abby and Jess put on top performances to send Northumberland into a 3-1 lead after the first 4 singles. Aimee continued a dominant weekend by for the third time running, only dropping 1 game, walking past her opponent comfortably before Teddy did similar, sealing the tie for Northumberland.

The doubles were played to a conclusion with Aimee & Teddy, Abby & Lara winning and Jess & Sophie having to withdraw due to injury whilst 3-2 up in the first set.

A fantastic achievement to win back-to-back promotions and move up into Group 3 for 2024. With the same team eligible for next year, the girls will be looking to make it 3 years in a row which is a more than attainable target for this accomplished, competitive group.

A team to be proud of.

Jordan Simpson and Lauren Jones

Northumberland 18u Girls Captains