British Tennis - Lawn Tennis Association

Week 1: Esporta Wearside - Team Tennis Premier 18&U Girls North

Amy Hoburn writes on her teams first team tennis match of 2011...

After becoming the Premier 18&U Champions last year, all team members have been training hard in the months leading up to our first Team Tennis match of the season in order to try and regain our title. With only one player from the previous year being too old, we were confident in putting out a great performance in our first match, a home tie to Wrexham LTC. However, with Alex Walker and Grace Dixon being away and 2 other players being injured, we had to call on some younger players to play, Abigail Lemberger and Laura Wright.

Abigail Lemberger in action for Esporta Wearside

Before the match, we had no information about any Wrexham players so therefore focused on our own preparations for the match. At 1pm the match started with Caitlin and I playing singles and Abigail and Laura playing doubles. In both of the singles matches, our training leading up to the match paid off, with Caitlin winning 6-1 6-0 and I winning 6-1 6-1. Laura and Abigail lost 6-3 6-2 in a well fought doubles match. After the first round we were leading 2 matches to 1 and had a quick 10 minute rest before going on for the second round.

After the first round, we had gained some knowledge about our opponents and tried to put this too good use. In the second doubles match, Caitlin and I made a good start by winning the first set 6-0. We then were able to keep up the good work and won the second set 6-1. In the meantime, Abigail lost to their number 6-0 6-1. Although the score line doesn’t show it, she had a very close match in which there were many deuces. Laura had a tough opponent to play but showed great determination throughout the match, however losing out 6-1 6-2.

Amy Hoburn lunges for a backhand volley

Now, at 3 matches all, it was down to the deciding 10 point doubles tie-break shoot out. After a quick team meeting, we decided that Caitlin and Laura would play. The tiebreak started out very close at 2-2 but then after some great volleys, Caitlin and Laura flew to a 6-2 lead. This lead carried on and they finished the match off, winning 10-4, meaning that we won the tie 7-6!

See the Premier 18&U Girls North Draw

Overall, it was a great, competitive tie with both teams playing some very good tennis. Our next match is away against David Lloyd Speke on April 23rd, in which we hope to have players from last years winning team back, and we hope to continue with another win!

Result: Esporta Wearside beat Wrexham 7-6

Esporta Wearside Team: Amy Hoburn, Caitlin Hindmarsh, Laura Wright, Abigail Lemberger