18U Boys County Cup Report
Captains - Chris Little and Chad Richard
Players - Ryan Parkins, Zach Tabaczynski, Vincent Fletcher, Marton Howe, Raphael Tan, Nathan Paszylk, Herbie Morris and Jack Seaborn
- Result: A solid strong stay in a high level group 2. A superb effort from all involved.
- Yorkshire: L 2-7
- Cheshire: W 7-2
- Dorset: W 5-4
Friday and our adversaries were a very strong Yorkshire side. They are a very big county with lots of cities and lots of centres, therefore they usually have strong sides across all the age groups. Which is great as that is exactly who we want our juniors to be mixing it with. A tough first day, however a special mention should be going to Zach for a quality display in his singles at Number 2. Herbie and Nathan put in a disciplined doubles performance at pair 3 to help double our rubber count. Of course, Every rubber matters at County Cup as you never know what can happen as you reach the end of the weekend.
Saturday and we had no option but to learn the lessons quick and move forward with grit and resilience against Cheshire, who were feeling good after their 5-4 win on the first day.
Up steps Nathan in his first singles appearance at county cup to a hard-fought straight sets victory 7-5 6-2. When tied at 1-1, in comes Marton at No. 4 who clinically saw off his opponent putting him to the sword 6-1, 6-1. The youngest member of our team, Vincent, shouldered the responsibility of playing at No.3 very well, another straight sets victory to put us up 3-1. Ryan came up against a very confident player who is in a rich vein of form, so with the tie poised at 3-2, and Zach a set & 2-3 down in his match, it was looking like it would be 3-3 after the singles. Wait just a second, as of course Zach showed some real heart and fight, the adrenaline kicked in as he lost one game after that 3-6 /6-4/ 6-0!!!!!! That win really took the wind out of their sails, as we then ran away with 3 from 3 doubles wins, very satisfying.
Sunday and the Dorset dogs really came out fighting with everything they had, as they were looking down the barrel of relegation. Their 6,5,4 really raised the level from what we had seen on the previous days, which goes to show you can never assume anything at County Cup.
Our boys battled hard although it wasn’t to be so we found ourselves 0-3 down. Ryan, Zach and Vincent showed so much character and will power to drag us back to parity 3-3 after the singles. Truly phenomenal turn around. Into the doubles and the first to start was a fiery encounter between the 3 pairings. Narrowly we lost out in a close 2nd set tiebreak. 3-4 Raphael & Zach a set-up, Marton & Ryan a set down, the drama was starting to build. We probably had enough rubbers to be safe however it always feels better to secure group 2 status with a win.
The Cheshire team and support need us to win to for them to stay up, so they all added way more to the atmosphere surrounding the remainder of our doubles matches. Both matches were happening either side of the balcony, so we had Marton & Ryan up in their 2nd set whilst eagerly trying to find out what was happening in Raphael & Zach’s Match Tie break. The two towers put on a show of discipline and then some quality smashing to close the match T 10-8.
Cue massive applause and then everyone surrounding the last court with the tie at 4-4. Marton & Ryan started riding a wave of momentum and energy showing some quality doubles prowess to take the second set. Match T here we come with a crowd getting fairly rowdy.
DEC, Discipline + Energy + Communication + Urgency + Intensity + Sound Positioning and territories = Positive, Courageous Doubles. Bosh 10-7 to seal a 5-4 win.
Very Happy to see Raphael and Ryan finish their Junior County Career in such adrenaline fuelled fashion being helped and supported by their team mates.
As always there is plenty to learn and take into next year for another high-level group 2. Let’s go now! UUUUUUUUUppp the Bridge!!!!!!!!!!! A huge thank you to all involved from Cambs Tennis and the parents.
Chris Little & Chad Richard
