9U County Cup Report
9U Girls Report
What a day for our Northants girls at the 9U County Cup in Boston, Lincolnshire.
With only two points separating them from the top spot, the girls truly could not have given any more. Representing Northants were Sofia, Isabelle, Saya and Anastasia, with this event marking Anastasia’s county debut and what a debut she had.
From start to finish, the girls showed incredible team spirit. They supported one another every single point and handled themselves superbly in tricky moments. They were a proper team all day.
All singles were played first in long, fast 4-set matches a format many of the girls haven’t yet experienced but they adapted brilliantly.
Leicester were up first. There were understandably a few early nerves, but the girls quickly settled. The singles were shared 2–2, with strong wins from Sofia (4–1) and Anastasia (4–1).
Next up were Lincolnshire. The level lifted again, with long rallies across all courts and brilliant energy throughout. The girls finished the singles 3–1 up Sofia winning 4–2, Isabelle 4–1, and Anastasia battling superbly for a 4–3 (0) victory, while Saya fought hard in a close 2–4 match.
The final singles round was against Nottinghamshire, and once again it finished 2–2. Sofia was outstanding in a 4–0 win, Isabelle showed great composure to take a 4–3 (6) victory, Saya played her best match of the day with countless deuces that just didn’t fall her way in a 2–4 battle, and Anastasia lost a close 2-4 match too.
So it all came down to the doubles.
Back against Leicester, the girls brought huge energy and executed the work we’ve been focusing on in county training. Sofia & Isabelle were dominant in a 4–0 win, while Anastasia & Saya edged a tight 4–3 (5) match to secure the overall 4–2 victory. Big shout out to Saya who didn’t let her close single losses affect her and faught on again, really pleased they manage to secure their doubles win.
Confidence was high going into the doubles against Lincolnshire. Sofia & Isabelle narrowly lost 3–4 (6) in a very tight contest, but Anastasia & Saya stepped up again with a composed 4–2 win to seal another 4–2 team victory.
That meant everything rested on the final doubles against Nottinghamshire for the top spot. Sofia & Isabelle showed incredible resilience, coming back from 3–2 down to win 4–3 (4) in a tense battle. Anastasia & Saya gave absolutely everything but fell 0–4, leaving the match tied overall and forcing a shootout.
One player from each pair stepped up for a 10-point shootout to decide it. Sofia and Anastasia rose to the occasion, with the team cheering every single point. It went neck and neck all the way in an incredible contest, but it just wasn’t our day, finishing 10–8.
The girls were understandably disappointed they were so close but they could not have given any more. I was incredibly impressed with how they handled pressure situations, tight matches and tricky line calls. They dealt with everything brilliantly, moved on quickly and refocused like true competitors.
So close this time… bring on the next event!
Laura Mineards
9U Boys Report
A brilliant day for the Northamptonshire U9 Boys, finishing 3rd overall in the County Cup.
What stood out most wasn’t just the tennis — it was the way the boys supported one another all day. From the first match to the last point, they were constantly encouraging each other and staying positive. That team spirit was fantastic to see.
We began against Leicestershire and competed really well. David picked up a strong singles win, and Bryan & Oliver added a doubles point in a tight contest.
Against Lincolnshire, the boys battled hard in every match. David & Gabriel secured a well-earned doubles win, showing great composure.
We finished the day in style with an excellent 5–1 win over Nottinghamshire, including two tie-break victories in both doubles matches.
A huge well done to every player. You represented Northamptonshire with pride and togetherness — and that’s something to be very proud of.
My thanks to Vice-Captain Connor who supported me and the team.
Istvan
