Lionel Cox Reports
9U Teams
A massive well done to all of our Northamptonshire 9 & Under players who represented the county at the Lionel Cox Tournament in Cambridge.
Our girls’ team — Isabelle, Sofia, Saya and Anastasia — were brilliant throughout and should be very proud of their effort. They finished 8th overall and had some excellent matches along the way, including a fantastic 2–0 win against Bedfordshire and a strong draw against Buckinghamshire. The girls showed great determination, stayed positive, and kept giving their best in every match.
Our boys’ team — David, Oliver, Bryan and Gabriel — also had a fantastic tournament, finishing 4th out of 10 counties, which is a brilliant achievement. They picked up great 2–0 wins against Buckinghamshire and Suffolk, drew with Oxfordshire, and competed really well against a strong Essex team. They then played Berkshire for 3rd and 4th place, where they had another great battle and showed real character.
A big thank you to all the families for their brilliant support and encouragement throughout the tournament. It was lovely to see such a positive team atmosphere around the players.
Overall, it was a very proud day for Northamptonshire tennis. All the players showed great effort, teamwork and attitude, and represented the county brilliantly.
Well done everyone — you should all be very proud.
Istvan
10U Boys
It was an early start for all involved travelling over to Framlingham College for the U10 Boys Lionel Cox weekend but as we arrived the sun was shining over a beautiful setting.
First up was Cambridgeshire, and the Northants boys set the tone for the weekend with some well rehearsed and energetic doubles play. Alfie and Konstantin battled well but narrowly lost 10-8 in the match tiebreak. Jack (making his debut) and Seb lost 4-0 4-0 but showed signs of a promising partnership for the weekend ahead.
As the sun got higher and hotter, we had Suffolk up next. After giving everything in the first round Alfie and Konstantin had run out of energy and the fighting spirit was not there. I felt we could have got more out of this match up as the doubles play was again at a very strong level. We lost 4-1 4-1 in this tie. That left the promising partnership of Jack and Seb to step up, and that they did. A mixture of high energy, aggressive serving and solid net play and we took the win 4-1, 4-3. A great team effort from Jack and Seb on this one, and well done to Jack for getting his first win in the Northants purple.
Our last round of the day v Oxford. I communicated to the boys that how we finish today will be very important in what we want to achieve tomorrow. Tennis has been at a high level, but working together and keeping the energy high no matter the score is the most important thing. Alfie and Konstantin flew out the gates and took the first set 4-2, but before we knew it lost 4-1 in the second. This meant a second match tiebreak for this pair of the day. Could they overcome their loss from this morning? After a few honest words on the set they just lost, the energy was back and everything fell into place for them. Taking the match tiebreak 10-4, to earn their first win of the weekend. A great response from the boys.
Jack and Seb carried on the high from their win and took the first set to a tiebreak, but couldn’t carry on the fighting spirit and lost 10-3. From here the heads dropped and lost the second set 4-1.
Ending the first day with a mixed bag but overall a lot to build on going into the Sunday.
A punctual but four sleepy eyed boys arrived for the last day and we had Essex up first. Alfie and Konstantin were slow to start and did not get going, we lost this one 4-1 4-2. Jack and Seb were involved in an emotional rollercoaster, which for myself was far too early for that. After losing the first set 4-2, they finally came together and battled the second to win 4-3 which meant it was another match tiebreak for the pair. It was neck and neck until the Essex pair played some great Tennis and took it 10-7.
The emotional rollercoaster continued, with Jack and Seb involved in another match tiebreak against Bucks. Losing again 10-7. A great partnership over the weekend who played great Tennis and complemented each other's skills well. A reminder to both boys that when wearing the Northants purple we are there to work together and support each other, win or lose. Alfie and Konstantin seemed to find their form and energy again but lost their tie meaning we were up against Bedfordshire for 8/9th place decider.
With one eye on the county cup next week, I decided to change the pairs. Alfie and Jack came out flying and won 4-0 4-0, they were then able to finish the day and cheer Konstantin and Seb on who put in a resilient performance to win both sets and the tie.
On my first Captaincy experience for Northants this was an absolute pleasure, I came away from the weekend with total enjoyment and was grateful to all the boys and parents who made it so easy to focus on the Tennis.
Good luck at the next one boys.
Billy
10U Girls
Day 1
The second County Event of 2026 for the 10U Girls, with Scarlett, Bella, Anastasia & Dorina stepping up to represent Northants at the Lionel Cox Event.
Our First Round was against Suffolk, who were one of the strongest counties! Bella & Scarlett at Pair #1 had a brutal start to the tournament, facing a very experienced doubles pair. Unfazed by their strong opponents, Bella & Scarlett remained competitive but couldn’t quite find their rhythm in the match. Anastasia & Dorina at Pair #2 were also greeted with some strong competition, but the girls got stuck right in, taking Suffolk to a First Set Tiebreak! The pair moved in superb sync but just missed out 7-5 in the tiebreak.
We shook things up for Round 2 against a strong Cambridgeshire Team with Bella & Anastasia playing at Pair #1, and Scarlett & Dorina playing at Pair #2. Anastasia’s creative play, mixed with Bella’s solid striking proved to be a successful combination! In Pair #2, Dorina demonstrated remarkable consistency, using her topspin as a tactical weapon! This combined with Scarlett’s relentless baseline aggression proved to be an effective pairing! Despite the loss to Cambridgeshire, the revised pairs displayed immediate chemistry.
Sticking with the new partnerships, we faced Bedfordshire in Round 3. Dorina & Scarlett put in a fantastic display of tennis! Dorina’s soft spin angles, and Scarlett’s hard-hitting forehands were too much for Bedfordshire to handle, and the girls cruised through taking the win 4-1 4-0! Fantastic! Bella & Anastasia had an amazing doubles match! It was a tight, see-saw 2 sets, but with some very smart doubles play and skilful shots from both players, they successfully closed out the match 4-3 (7-5) 4-2! Great job! After some hard-fought early rounds, the girls built significant momentum as the day progressed, ending Day 1 on a well-deserved WIN!
Day 2
The girls carried their triumph into Day 2, facing Norfolk in the final match of the Group Stages. Dorina & Scarlett did a great job in recognising and targeting the weaker player from Norfolk, with Dorina consistently finding depth and Scarlett punishing any short balls with her big groundstrokes. They comfortable took the win 4-2 4-1. Flawless! Bella & Anastasia continued their impressive doubles play, pushing Norfolk to a First Set Tiebreak! The girls did a fantastic job in neutralising the opponents’ assertive net game with some high deep groundstrokes. This ‘smart-play-strategy’ saw the girls save 3 consecutive set points! A few lucky points from Norfolk followed, and we just missed out 9-7! So close!
The girls secured 3rd Place in the Group Stages, so we went into the play-offs for 5th, 6th & 7th Place!
We faced Buckinghamshire first in the play-offs, and it was a sensational display of competitive tennis! Dorina & Scarlett played some young but resilient competitors. It was an erratic contest, with some scrappy moments, but the girls held their concentration, dug deep and pull out an incredible 4-3 (7-5) 2-4 10-7 WIN! Well done! Bella & Anastasia faced a gruelling match, battling against a well-matched pair from Bucks. The pair displayed impressive composure on the big points, resulting in 3 Match Points being saved! With sheer perseverance and tactical grit, the girls secured the victory 4-2 3-4 (7-5) 12-10! Unbelievable!
After a monumental victory over Buckinghamshire, we were left to face off against Hertfordshire for 5th & 6th Place. Dorina & Scarlett stuck to their masterful game plan, blending clinical accuracy with remarkable power, and the girls secured a straightforward victory 4-2 4-0. Great job! Bella & Anastasia had a very competitive match! It was a very close encounter with nearly every game going to Deuce! Bella showcased some exceptional length teamed with some dominant serving, and Anastasia demonstrated her exemplary court-coverage and mid-court craft! The result didn’t do justice to their tactical execution, and the girls left the court knowing they had performed some sensational tennis!
Scarlett, Bella, Anastasia & Dorina were a pleasure to Captain. I am very proud of all the girls’ efforts & behaviours over the 2 Days! All four players showcased exceptional form and played some excellent tennis, resulting in us placing 6th Overall. Good job girls!
Imogen
12U Boys
The first thing I want to say about this group of boys is it was lovely to see how well they all get on……..hard to get them to concentrate on tennis strategy at times they were so chatty!!
They are a very competitive group, which they demonstrated in the absence of our number 1 player (who was needed at 14U county cup unfortunately on the same weekend).
For match 1 (against Suffolk) we started giving our two youngest boys a match together (they’ve played together throughout their time at 10U and will be likely to tie up for the 11U county cup event in June). Momo has in the past been quite nervous, but was much more assured right from the get-go this time out. His net work was great throughout. Freddie started a little slower, but really warmed up into the match and after losing the first set they turned it round and got themselves into a match tiebreak before narrowly losing out. Harry and Otto played at first pair which proved a little too much as they went down 4-1 4-1.
For the remainder of the event Harry paired with Freddie. Harry’s heavy cross court groundstrokes created chances for Freddie around the net and Freddie cleverly worked the front court to win lots of points.
Momo played with Otto. Otto was super solid at the baseline keeping the opponents to few volley opportunities and defending manfully.
It was great to see all the boys slip smoothly into new pairings, applying the county training principles for their doubles play, which (in theory) should enable all the boys to play with any other partner they’re selected to play with.
The 12U boys level at the event was very high and though it proved tough for us to get sets/wins on the board both pairs remained competitive and energized throughout. Freddie and Harry picked up a set against the Norfolk first pair (after team losses against Bucks and Essex) and in our final play-off match against Beds Otto and Momo were delighted to score our first win while Harry and Freddie narrowly lost 4-3 4-2.
A tough weekend for the boys, but one which they committed fully too. They were spirited, supportive of each other, and engaged in the battle match after match in the face of some tough opposition.
I look forward to seeing the squad at full strength later in the year for the 12U county cup event.
Justin
12U Girls
Round 1 Bucks
We started against a similarly matched Bucks team. Ellie and Kamilah at pair 1 and Sorina and Matilda at pair 2. Both of our pairs started a little slowly and our nerves were showing bit
throughout the first sets. During the second sets we improved our quality and made a much better show. Pair 1 played well and won the second set taking it to a tie break, unfortunately losing out in
the third set 8-10. There was progress from each of the pairs through the matches.
Round 2 Cambridgeshire
Round 2 was against a very strong Cambs team, I kept the pairs the same due to the progress I saw through the first matches. Although both pairs lost they showed more of the game that I know they had, feet were better, more aggressive in their play. But the opposition just had too much for us and although we played better they came out on top.
Round 3 Hertfordshire
Our last match on Saturday was against the traditionally strong Herts team. Pair 1 faced a very good opposing pair, a played their best tennis of the day and the final score does not reflect the match. Pair 2 played really well in the first set, giving the opponents a really good fight, pushing them all the way. Unfortunately they came up just short in the end.
Day 2
Sadly Matilda was taken ill over night, so we entered the day one player down. I made the choice to ensure each player was involved in two
competitive matches in the day. Fortunately I was able to borrow a spare Buckingham player so our third player was able to have a friendly match against the opposition 2n pair.
Round 4 Suffolk
Ellie and Kamilah played the match vs pair 1, another tough match, but similarly to the Herts game, the tennis was better and the match was closer than the score showed. Tight points all round with our girls winning points through some very good tennis.
Round 5 Norfolk
For this round I played Kamilah and Sorina, both players started a little slow, so the first set was close and went to Norfolk. At no point though did it look like the match would get away from us. With massive effort the girls won the second set in a very close tie break. The 3rd set tie break was nipo and tuck the whole way through, we closed it out with a good first serve from Sorina on match point to win. Great match.
Round 6 Essex
Ellie came back in to partner Sorina for the last round, Essex were very strong. Our girls took them by surprise initially with good lollies and power, winning points early on. Essex eventually came out on top, they also went on to win the event.
The girls were a pleasure to captain, well behaved and respectful to the opponents, officials and myself. It was a tough weekend for them, but I hope it showed them that when they were at their best they competed with some of the best players in the country.
Steven
