Junior Inter-County Report - Boys' U15/Mixed U11
Rob Dadds looked after Day 2 of the weekend. He reports:
It was early start for the boys and girl up in Leamington Spa this Sunday for the U11 and U15 teams.
The U15 were up first at 9am, giving Cambridgeshire time to distribute the new shirts and have a bit of a hit before taking one of the favourites in the event, Warwickshire.
First match of the day was Cambs U15 vs Warwickshire 1. It was always going to be a tough start to things against a strong side, especially with Rupert stepping up from the U13s team and taking on someone 2/3 years his senior at no. 5! Rupert dug in and gave 100% but his opponent was just too strong physically and he went down 3/0. Meanwhile, fellow Thackray Bertie was up against a very strong Warwickshire no. 3. Bertie put in a very good performance and was in all the rallies but his opponent just had that bit more to close out the rallies, another 3/0 for Warwickshire. Trailing 2/0, next up were Isaac at no. 4 and Diego, fresh from 6th place finish in the Nationals, at no. 1. After going 2/0 down, Diego straightened up and managed to impose his squash on his 6’2 opponent, pulling it back to 2/2. Unfortunately, the 5th got away from him after a good start and he went down 3/2. On the other court, Isaac dug deep and played some nice squash but the physicality of his opponent was too much and he lost in straight games. Aiden was last on and, similar to Bertie’s match, was in all the rallies and played some good squash, but his opponent just had that extra bit at the end of the rallies. So, a 5/0 loss to the favourites but all to play for in the next two matches.
No rest for the wicked and the 15s we’re back on against Lincolnshire immediately after the first match. This time Bertie winning comfortably in straight games at 3 and Kieran putting in a brilliant performance to win 3/0 at no.5. Diego recovered well from his previous match and dispatched their no.1 in three quick games, while Isaac also put in a very impressive performance to win 3/0. Last on was Aiden who sealed the tie in style without dropping a game. 5/0 win for Cambs and a win in the next match would see the boys go through.
It was then time for the U11s to take the court and take on Lincolnshire. Maggie was on first and, after a nervous start, found her form and some great serves. It was a really close match and when Maggie pulled it back to 1/1 it looked like she might gain the momentum, but her opponent just nicked it in a tight 3/1. Louis was next up and, after narrowing losing the first, showed some great composure to win 3/1. With the match level at 1-all, Josh stepped at no. 1 and put in a classy performance to comfortably win 3/0, giving Cambs the 2/1 victory!
A win in final match of the day for the U15 against Warwickshire B would see them get through to the finals weekend. Bertie made light work of his match, winning 3/0. Kieran played some superb squash and had his opponent all over the court in the first but the superior speed and strength of his older opponent was too much; 0/3 and 1-all in the tie. Diego showed his class with a quick victory and Aiden settled himself into some quality squash after an edgy first game; both winning 3/0. Isaac then put in another excellent performance to finish the tie with a 4/1 win!
The final match of the day saw the U11s take on Warwickshire. Tough ask for Maggie and Louis, going down 0/3 against some strong players, but they both gave their all and did themselves/Cambs proud. Josh pulled back the final match with another comfortable win and a few smiles too! A great effort from all the team and they qualify for the finals in January.
Really proud to have lead the 2 teams on a really successful day for Cambridgeshire!
Thank you to The Sports Academy CIC coaches Rob and Colin for their support of the teams over the weekend, and well done to all the juniors who were selected and competed brilliantly. We look forward to Stage 2, the Finals!
