18U Boys Captains Report
This year, Wrexham hosted our under 18 boys in Division 6B, after a frustrating county cup last year the boys had the goal of promotion this year, and with a few players being too old next year it was all or nothing.
Our squad was:
- Jasper
- Benjamin
- Tiger
- Thomas
- Benjamin
- Oliver
- Billy
- Elijah
Day one vs North Wales had some amazing matches going to 3 sets in singles and the annoying cramp for Ben A meant he had to wait a little longer for his first win in county colours! Stand out performances from Jasper and Ben P who didn't drop a single game in the singles and took the doubles together 6-1 6-1. Billy lost a very close 2 sets in his first county appearance and Tom and Tiger getting 2 big wins in the other singles. We then took 2 out of the 3 doubles meaning we left for Nandos very happy with a 6-3 win on day 1.
Day two vs the Channel Islands heald very different challenges from day one, they had a very loud supportive team who fought for every point and refused to give in during all matches, fortunately we have the same attitude and the performances on and off the court proved too strong for them and with a few changes from day one Oliver came in for singles and Elijah came onto the doubles court to help in a 7-2 win! Oh and Ben A got his first win for the county with Tiger in doubles!
The boys chose to have a chilled evening at the end of day 2 and what a great decision it was because with the final day, and the promotion battle with Bedfordshire who had also won both days, we would need to be at our best to get the job done!
It couldn't be closer if we tried... such a high standard of Tennis from all the 6 singles matches left us 3-3 in rubbers going into the doubles. Our 3rd and 2nd doubles pairs again split results leaving the final doubles to decide the promotion... the first set went to Bedfordshire 3-6, the 2nd set went our way 6-2 and 3 days of battle came down to one doubles tie break to 10 points .... fortunately we got the job done 10-4 and if you have seen the video after the final point you can see what it meant to the team! They also enjoyed a little singing on the way home and after catching up with them mid week some are still on a high!
An amazing weekend of respectful sport and superb attitudes from the players on and off court secured us a promotion and I can't wait for next year!
From your captains Carl Saxby and Zef Antonio!
