The sun shone on Suffolk over Easter as the region’s junior tennis team smashed the competition. The National Fostering Agency tennis tournament took place at the Ipswich Sports Club, with many more entries than in previous years. And with a team that includes some of the country’s most promising players, Suffolk put on quite a show.
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12 and under girls’ singles |
14 and under boys’ singles |
14 and under boys’ doubles |
16 and under boys’ singles |
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2nd: Alana |
1st: Joshua |
1st: Joshua and Alex |
1st: Harper 2nd: Joshua |
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18 and under boys’ singles |
Men’s singles |
Men’s doubles |
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1st: Harper |
2nd: Harry |
1st: Harper and Jack |
Suffolk’s tennis stars of the future also showed us how it’s done in the mini tennis events, winning three of the six titles. Freddie was fantastic in the 8 and under boys, Herbie wowed us in the 9 and under boys, and Bethany stole the show in the 10 and under girls.
Kent’s Lisa won the 8 and under girls, Hertfordshire’s Michaela won the 9 and under girls, and Essex’s Otto won the 10 and under boys. Well done everyone.
Emily showed off her supreme captaining skills over the bank holiday weekend, leading her 14 and under team to a 2nd place victory. The County Cup qualifying round took place in Woodford Wells, and the great result couldn’t have been achieved without the exceptional team: Louise, Isabelle, Justice, Maddie and Tawana.
Day 1
With confidence and skill, the Suffolk team played great tennis and won all six rubbers. Buckinghamshire didn’t stand a chance.
Day 2
A tough day for the team, they played the overall group winners, Hampshire and Isle of Wight. With three wins apiece, the match went to a shootout tiebreaker. Suffolk narrowly lost 10–6.
Day 3
The weekend’s second shootout tiebreaker took place between Suffolk and South Wales. This time, Suffolk came out on top. Then they faced Norfolk for their final game of the weekend. Winning 5–1, they ended the weekend in 2nd place.
Throughout all the matches of the weekend, Suffolk’s 14 and under boys team showed true grit and resolution. Often playing opponents ranked higher than them, they played with clear eyes and full of heart when the nerves seemed to be uncontrollable. Harper, Alex, Luke and Josh did the region proud.
Day 1
Middlesex hit hard with a powerful team. Outranking every member of Suffolk’s team, they won a few close matches but tumbled against Harper. The overall score was 5–1 to Middlesex.
Day 2
The previous day’s matches had Suffolk all fired up, and they made quick work of Isle of Man. All that was left was the 3rd place playoff on the final day.
Day 3
Derbyshire put up a fight but their fantastic team was outmatched by Suffolk’s own. Josh made a flurry of unbelievable passing shots in his match, and the final doubles match was heart-stoppingly tense. Ultimately, Suffolk came away with yet another win: 5–1.
The Whitsun holidays will see the 10 and under teams taking up their racquets, followed by the 12 and under teams the following month. The girls will be playing in Lincoln and the boys in Harlow.
When July arrives, The Road To Wimbledon Suffolk Finals will begin at Felixstowe. It’s sure to be an incredible show of talent. And then in August, our 9 and under teams will be start serving up the treats too. Watch this space.