The team was: Ben Coxon, William Durman, Filip Kaminski, Zachary Kleiner, Jasper Yu 
Team Captains: David Gaterell and Macca Neaves
Day 1 – Match 1 v Middlesex
The day began with officials and captains using squeegees and paper towels to clear the baselines of rain water so matches began slightly later than planned.
Jasper started at No 4 and after a quick 0-4 first set, Jasper came alive and brought it back to a set all but lost the match tiebreak. Will had a real battle with 3 tiebreaks in his match at number 3, and unfortunately also lost. Zac, No 2, had a tough match and lost 1-4, 1-4. Ben Coxon at No 1, managed a singles win in straight sets. Zach and Will played No 1 doubles and had an impressive win with a tiebreak to finish. Ben and Filip had a good match, but went down 3-4, 0-4. Impressive tennis and attitude from all players but 4-2 to Middlesex.
Match 2 v Cheshire
This match started on day 1 and ended on day 2. A good start from Jasper winning in straight sets at No 4. Will (3) and Zach (2) had tough singles matches losing in straight sets. Ben (1) had an up and down match and lost the match tiebreak. Ben and Filip then played a blinding doubles with a straight sets win at No 2. Zach and Will lost at No 1 – yet another tiebreak! 4-2 to Cheshire.
Day 2 – Kent
Due to rain, we only managed to play the singles. Jasper began with a very impressive 4-1, 4-1 win at No 4. Super tough match for Will with a straight sets loss. Will’s opponent said afterwards, it was the best he had ever played! Zach lost in 2 close sets at No 2. Ben had a heartbreaking loss at No 1 – 9-11 in yet another match tiebreak! Will and Filip (2) played incredible doubles to win 1 and 1 at No 2 doubles, keeping the dream alive! Ben and Jasper (1) lost their doubles, again on a match tiebreak. All 3 matches we had 2 rubbers that were match tiebreak losses, so for the sake of just a few points on each day, we could have won the group! Such is Tennis! We were going into the final day playing for 7th or 8th place.
Day 3 – East of Scotland
The match started but we were rained off for the day at 1-1 in matches and play was abandoned. Match incomplete so we shared 7th / 8th position.
Jasper had a very hot and cold match, losing the first set 0-4, winning the second set 4-0 and then losing the match tiebreak at no 1. Will had a great comeback at No 3, losing the first set 2-4, winning the second and then got off to a flying start and kept the lead in the match tiebreak to win. Zach was a set up and Ben had only just begun when the heavens opened. An impressive display of tennis play, mental resilience, teammates supporting each other, fair play from all teams and lots of fun.
This was a very good weekend despite the outcome and both Macca and myself were proud to captain this 12U team, who have all demonstrated that not only are they very good tennis players, but they are very good people as well. Well done Hampshire & IOW 12U Boys and thanks to the parents for their support, as always.
David Gaterell – 12 U Boys County Captain
