(Photo by Chris Freeman : From left to right : Ruby Rooke, Caya Fairbrass)
Ruby Rooke and Caya Fairbrass were the girls' orange ball finalists this year.
This best of three 10-point tiebreaks match was fascinating to watch.
In the first set, Caya lost the first two points against the more experienced Ruby, but brave play saw Caya win the next two points and even the set at 2-2.
The next six points went Ruby's way, 8-2, in what now seemed to be a one-sided affair with just two points separating her from taking the set.
But with good hand skills, some cheeky drop shots and great cross court rallies, Caya managed to claw back the next three points, trailing just 5-8. Not to be deterred, Ruby took the next two points to win the set 10-5.
In similar fashion to the first, the second set levelled at 2-2, with Ruby winning the first two points. See-sawing points saw the set evened at 3-3 and at this point, the tables seemed to be turning for Caya as she managed to keep her nose in front, 5-3. Caya fought hard to hold on to the lead, but Ruby wiped out her 2-point advantage and went on to level the set at 7-7. There was no turning back for Ruby now, as she won the next three points and the match, 10-7.
'Ruby has been playing tennis for over a year, has a decent technique and seems to enjoy competitions,' said their coach, Kevin Hart, 'and Caya only started playing tennis this season; what she lacks in technical ability (thus far) she makes up for with a very strong competitive attitude.'
Two thrilling sets of tennis with some good serving, great rallies from the back of the court and superb down the line shots from both girls.