The Team was: Freya Jones, Lena Kudla, Abbygail Lu, Tobechi Nwawudu, Annabelle Saunders, Connie Soon
Team Captains: Debbie Hale and Hannah Crawford
In Group A we faced Lancashire, Nottinghamshire and Surrey – opening against Lancashire on the first day. Connie, playing at number 4, faced a much taller opponent and, despite a strong effort, was outplayed (1-4, 0-4). Lena, at number 3, started nervously but began to settle into her game, yet ultimately lost (2-4, 1-4). Tobechi battled through a tough start, recovered impressively in the second set, and edged out her opponent in a tense tiebreak (2-4, 4-0, 10-7). Freya put up a good fight against a top-20 player, but couldn’t quite clinch the close games (1-4, 1-4).
The doubles matches became crucial. Our pairings were Freya and Lena at number 1, and Tobechi and Annabelle at number 2. Tobechi and Annabelle, a new pairing, lost the first set 3-4 but rallied to take the second 4-3, while Freya and Lena fell 1-4 in their opening set and narrowly lost the deciding tiebreak 9-7. Ultimately, Lancashire took the tie 5-1.
Next, we faced Nottinghamshire indoors. Annabelle, playing at number 4 and still under 12, was outpowered early by an older opponent but, with Hannah’s support, mounted a comeback to narrowly lose in a tiebreak (0-4, 3-4). Lena fought hard but was unable to overcome her opponent (3-4, 1-4). Tobechi encountered a very consistent player and, despite a tactical shift in the second set, was defeated (0-4, 2-4). Freya, however, delivered a standout performance, storming to a 4-0, 4-1 victory over a top-25 player.
With the score at 1-3, the doubles offered another chance. Connie and Tobechi, playing at number 2, faced tough opposition and lost 2-4, 3-4. Lena and Freya won the first set 4-2 but, after a tight second set, lost the tiebreak and eventually the deciding set 8-10. Nottinghamshire secured the match 5-1.
Our final group match was against favourites Surrey, with all their players ranked inside the top 40 – a formidable challenge! Annabelle (4) lost 1-4, 1-4; Lena (3) lost 1-4, 1-4; Tobechi (2) fought hard but, after a close first set and sustaining an injury, lost 4-3, 0-4, 5-10; Freya (1) fell 1-4, 2-4. In doubles, Annabelle and Abbygail made their debut, losing 1-4, 2-4, while Freya and Lena managed a victory in a championship tiebreak. Surrey, who went on to win the event for the fourth consecutive year, defeated us 5-1.
In the play-off for 7th – 8th place against Middlesex, the team, though fatigued from a demanding weekend, maintained a positive and competitive spirit. Connie and Lena fought hard in their singles, with Lena once again narrowly losing a tiebreak. Tobechi, despite nursing an injury, delivered a commanding 4-0, 4-0 win, while Freya overcame a tricky opponent 4-3, 4-0. With the score at 2-2, the doubles decider saw Tobechi and Freya, eager to partner up, succumb to the pressure and lose 2-4, 3-4. Lena and Connie were outplayed, losing 0-4, 1-4. Middlesex won the tie 4-2.
Overall, these weekends provide invaluable experience, fostering independence and giving players the chance to learn about recovery, nutrition, and the demands of competitive tennis – all while playing as part of a team away from home. Despite the tough results, the girls gained valuable insights into their game and themselves, making it a rewarding experience.
Debbie Hale – Team Captain
