14U Girls 12 Counties Championships Report

Team: Maddie Walsh, Gina Obrey, Grace Hadley, Kiah Probert

The first tie was against Leicestershire, and all 4 matches went to a match tie break.

Maddie played their no.1 and was strong from the baseline winning more of the close battles to win the first set 4-1. The level was high in the following set and in the match tie break, Maddie gave it her all and lost out 1-4, 10-4.

Gina was up against their no.2 and lost the first set 2-4. Gina improved in the 2nd set, was more consistent and used her strengths to win 4-0, 10-4.

Grace played their no.3, lost the 1st set 1-4. Grace fought back in the 2nd set with solid groundstrokes and attacking with angles to win the 2nd set 5-3. The momentum changed in the tie break, Grace worked hard and lost 10-4.

Kiah was up against their no.4, won the 1st set 4-0 taking advantage of short balls and causing trouble at the net. The level of both players dropped in the 2nd set and Kiah lost 2-4. Kiah refocused and played with no fear to finished the match with a 10-7 match tie break win.

Result: 2-2 draw 

The next tie against Bedfordshire started with Gina securing the first win 4-2, 4-2 with attacking play and always looking positive. Maddie had to make a lot of balls to compete and lost out 4-2, 5-4. Grace took what she learnt from the first match and was solid with groundstrokes and caused trouble with her weapons to win 4-1, 4-0. Kiah was confident after her match tie break win and used this to take care of business in a 4-0, 4-2 win.

Result: 3-1 win

The final tie was against Cambridgeshire who won their first two matches and were the highest ranked team.

Maddie was up first and played some amazing tennis competing at a high level and lost out 4-1, 4-2. Gina competed well against a tough opponent and lost 4-1, 4-0.

Grace was battling hard and doing a good job to keep it close at the start. The score was 1-2 and her opponent retired.

Kiah showed determination and won the mental battle to win 4-1, 4-1.

Result: 2-2 draw 

Our overall position was 2nd for the H&W Girls. Cambridgeshire came 1st with 2 wins and a draw.

The H&W girls did amazing and never gave up. As always, they did the county proud.

It was a great event for us to learn from and develop as a team in preparation for 14u County Cup next month.

Well done to all the players, and thanks to all the parents for their positive support throughout the day.

Tony Ravenscroft
14&U Girls County Captain