The Team was: Maya Ballinger, Sophia Florence, Freya Jones, Lena Kudla, Tobechi Nwawudu
Captains: Roisin Mullins and Jack Ison
Other Counties: Lancashire, Warwickshire and Yorkshire
Day 1 – 1st Match v Yorkshire
We knew playing Yorkshire was going to be a tough start to the weekend and very quickly we were 0-4 down after the singles (Sophia, Freya, Maya and Tobechi). Freya had the closest match losing the first set tie-break 2-7 and then lost the second set 2-4. Freya and Sophia played doubles 1 and after winning the first set tiebreak 11-9 sailed through the second set 4-0 – we had a first win! Maya and Lena played at doubles 2. End of match result 1-5.
2nd Match v Lancashire
After the singles we were 2-2 with a good win for Freya 4-2, 4-0. Sophia had a very close match with two tie-break sets (4-3(4), 3-5(5)) and managed to win the match tie-break 10-8. Lena lost in straight sets and Tobechi fought hard and also had two tie-break sets (3-4(2), 4-3(4)) and was unable to win the match tie-break (4-10).
All to play for going into the doubles. Sophia and Freya at No 1 doubles had a tough match and lost in straight sets. Maya and Tobechi fought hard and won the first set match tie-break 10-3, lost the second set and match tie-break 3-10. End of match result 2-4.
Day 2 v Warwickshire
We started well with Sophia, Freya and Maya all winning their singles matches comfortably. Tobechi had another match tie-break and this time was able to win 10-3 so 4-0 going into the doubles.
We mixed the partnerships up and Sophia played with Maya at No 1 and they had a very comfortable 4-1, 4-1 win. Freya and Lena played at No 2 doubles and lost the first set 2-4 and fought really hard in the second set tie-break, but the Warwickshire girls were able to take the win 7-5. End of match result 4-2 win.
It was great to finish with a win! The weekend went very well considering we have such a young team (they all completed in the 11U Girls County Cup National Final back in July). The girls were resilient and competed well and kept working hard, even after two tough losses. Overall, it’s an amazing team full of potential.
Roisin Mullins – Team Captain
