County Cup winning double for Lincolnshire tennis U11s
Lincolnshire's U11 Boys and Girls tennis teams enjoyed a remarkable weekend of success, both being crowned County Cup Group Two Champions in their respective competitions.
The County Cup competitions showcased the very best of Lincolnshire's emerging tennis talent, with both teams demonstrating outstanding skill, teamwork, determination and sportsmanship as they represented the county with distinction.
The boys team delivered a fantastic performance at the County Cup Tournament, held at Stourbridge Lawn Tennis & Squash Club.
The squad travelled to Stourbridge to compete against strong opposition from Staffordshire, Derbyshire, North Wales and Northamptonshire.
Representing Lincolnshire were five talented young players from clubs across the county, including Bourne Lawn Tennis, Boston Tennis Club, Grantham Tennis Club, Louth Tennis Centre and St James Tennis Club, who meet once a month for county training sessions in Lincoln, the most central location for the squad.
Despite the distances travelled to train together, the team demonstrated exceptional unity and spirit under the guidance of team manager Mark Henry and assistant Steve Wood.
Henry said: “We are super proud of the teamwork, skill and grit displayed by the whole squad throughout the event. You've done yourselves and Lincolnshire proud – well played boys.”
The tournament got off to the perfect start on Saturday as Lincolnshire produced a stellar display to secure two emphatic victories.
The boys defeated both Staffordshire and Derbyshire by an impressive 5-1 scoreline, putting themselves in a strong position heading into the final day of competition.
Their confident performances, competitive mindset and unwavering support for one another were evident throughout the day, laying the foundations for what would become a memorable weekend.
Momentum continued on Sunday as Lincolnshire maintained their unbeaten record with further victories over North Wales and Northamptonshire.
The boys demonstrated resilience, composure and quality throughout, culminating in a dramatic 10-point shootout where they held their nerve to secure the overall title and bring the County Cup Group Two gold medals back to Lincolnshire.
Not to be outdone, the girls team also delivered an outstanding performance to claim the County Cup Group Two title at Caunton Tennis Centre.
Led by team manager Terry Hunt and assistant Hugo Hunt, the victorious squad consisted of girls representing clubs including West Bridgford, Lincoln Tennis Academy, David Lloyd Burton Waters and Louth Tennis Centre, highlighting the breadth of young tennis talent across the region.
Hunt said: “We are so proud of the focus, team spirit and sheer determination shown by the entire squad throughout the event. You've done yourselves and Lincolnshire proud – fantastic work girls.”
They made a superb start to their campaign with a commanding 6-0 victory over Nottinghamshire. Building on that momentum, they continued their impressive form with fantastic wins against both Staffordshire 5-1 and Durham & Cleveland 4-2.
Displaying excellent focus, teamwork and determination throughout the competition, the girls powered their way through the tournament to secure the overall title and bring home County Cup Group Two title for Lincolnshire.
The double success is testament to the strength of the county's player development programme and the dedication of the young athletes, coaches, team managers and families who support them.
Winning County Cup Group Two titles in both competitions represents a significant achievement for Lincolnshire and provide a platform for future success.