12 Counties 10U Girls Report
Sunday 11th January marked the first County Event of the year for the 10U Girls! Olivia, Bella, Isla & Dorina represented Northants at the 12 Counties Event at Corby.
The Girls had a long day ahead taking on Essex, Nottinghamshire and Bedfordshire.
Our first round was against Nottinghamshire. Olivia (playing at Number 1), settled into the first match very calm & comfortably! With some strong serves and consistent play, Olivia had a strong 4-0 4-1 win! Bella (playing at Number 2) got out of the gate in very positive manor with an aggressive style of play. Bella and her opponent were very alike, with both having lots of power and solid striking of the ball. Bella fought throughout the match but just missed out 4-2 4-1. Isla (playing at Number 3) had a wearing match, particularly mentally. It was a messy match, that lacked rhythm, but Isla remained emotionally controlled and held her concentration to dig through a very impressive 4-2 4-5(6) 10-4 win! Dorina (playing at Number 4) got straight into action! Her powerful forehand, and resilience forced her opponent to a first set-tiebreak! Dorina just missed out 7-4 in the tiebreak but made a very positive start to the day.
Our second round was against Bedfordshire. Bedfordshire only had 2 Players representing them, so unfortunately Olivia & Bella were left without a match for this round. However, Isla ‘the Dropshot Queen’ had a great match! With her creative style of play, including lots of slices and soft angles, she sailed through the second set 4-0, after taking the first set 5-3. Good job! Dorina match was a test of nerves & consistency. It was a see-saw match, but Dorina stuck it out, kept the pressure on, forcing errors out from her opponent, and she took the win 5-3 5-3! Great work!
Our final round was against Essex, who were the strongest of the counties! Olivia put in a brilliant display of tennis! With her strong serving continuing throughout the match, Olivia battled it out for every point & gave it every ounce of effort! Bella had a tough match on her hands, against a high ranked player. This was a big test of Bella’s concentration, but she remained very sharp & focused, showing great competitiveness during the match. Isla had a monumental match! Isla took it up a gear in the second set and unleashed a fiery-flat-forehand! Teamed with unbelievable energy, it was all down to the third-set tiebreak! Isla narrowly missed out 1-4 4-2 6-10, but Isla left the court knowing she had given it her all and had played some remarkable tennis! Dorina put on a great performance for her last match! Dorina did a brilliant job in getting her opponent in uncomfortable situations and forced her opponent to Deuce in every game! Fighting hard in the second-set, Dorina with some fantastic winners and skilful play, took the second set to a tiebreak! Even though the tiebreak went to Essex, Dorina showed incredible perseverance, and played her best tennis of the day!
Finally, I’d like to give a small recognition to another Northants Player, Scarlett, who bravely stepped-up to represent Bedfordshire as they were a player down. Well done for showing willingness and participating.
Olivia, Bella, Isla & Dorina were a pleasure to Captain. I am very proud of all the girls’ efforts & behaviours! They all had some fantastic matches, and moments throughout the day, resulting in a joint 2nd Place with Nottinghamshire. Yesterday highlighted some great moments, and also some areas we will continue to work on, ready for our next Event later this year. Good job girls!
Imogen Allen
