Huge congratulations to the Under-13 Tennis Team who travelled up to Bolton at the weekend for the National Team Tennis finals. As defending National Champions, they had won the South West round 3 weeks previously, in Exeter.
The team of Daniella, Emily, Iraja, Keira and Sophia played 3 matches over the weekend and demonstrated an exceptional standard of tennis over both days. On Saturday morning they faced Trent College who represented the Midlands; the TH girls went out strong and won all matches to win 6-0. After lunch they faced Wilmslow High School who won the North region and they continued with their dominance recording another 6-0 win.
On Sunday morning they faced their biggest challenge of Queenswood School who were representing the South East region. All TH players faced girls higher above them in terms of ranking and in Daniella’s case, 2 years older than her. After the four singles matches TH were 3-1 down after only Sophia could win her singles. They needed to win both doubles to draw the match and face a penalty shootout.
Sophia and Emily teamed up in the first doubles and with some exceptional serving, ground strokes and volleying managed to win a tough game on a tiebreak. With the score now 3-2, Daniella and Iraja headed on court knowing only a win could keep them in the contest. Unfortunately, the strength and talent of the Queenswood players out powered the TH team and the team went down 4 matches to 2. Out of a total of 18 sets of tennis over the weekend Talbot Heath won 14 with Sophia winning 6 out 6 of her individual matches.
The TH team can hold their head up high, they showed an outstanding display of talent, battling against tough players and are deservedly Runners-Up at the National Championships.
Thanks go to Mrs Camp for giving up her weekend to accompany the team.
