After a poor start on Friday, when both Channel Island teams lost to mainland opposition, the two county sides came back strongly, winning both of their final matches 9-0; the girls against the South of Scotland, the boys against the Isle of Man.
For the coaches, in particular, this was an impressive fight-back.
‘After losing 8-1 to North Wales on Friday, the boys were a bit down, but even when they lost 7-2 to Northumberland on Saturday, they picked themselves up again and finished on a high against the Isle of Man,’ said coach Ian Morgan.
‘Scott Clayton and Charlie Cohen won both of their singles’ matches yesterday and on Saturday, and it was good to see Jordan Roberts back on court again.
‘Playing at No 5 on Sunday he’d only come back from a holiday in Dubai the day before, but he won both his singles and doubles matches comfortably, in straight sets.
‘In fact, the only game to go to three sets yesterday was Nick Thibeault’s game, playing at No 1.
He was 6-0 and 5-0 up, then 40-0 up, before he lost the second set 7-5.
He made up for it, though, by winning his last set 6-2.
‘All in all it was a convincing win, and also very encouraging for tennis in the Island.
All of these players are young enough to take part again next year and, from a coach’s point of view, it’s nice to see youngsters coming through who, in a few years time, will be the backbone of our senior county side.’ Women’s coach Karen Fisher made the same point about the age of her players; with the exception of Francesca Dubras they will all be eligible to play at this level next year.
‘After losing 6-3 to Wiltshire on Friday, we came back strongly to beat Gloucestershire 6-3 on Saturday and then the South of Scotland 9-0 ,’ she said.
‘I was particularly pleased for Nicole Dubras who came in as a reserve for her sister, Francesca, at No 6.
She was trailing 4-1 in the third set before she climbed back up again, to win.
‘But there were some other outstanding performances, not least from Katie Gouyette and Kirtsten McArthur.
Both remained undefeated over the three days, and although this was the first time I’ve seen some of these players, I’m really encouraged by what I’ve seen for next year.
‘Only one team moves up a division, while one moves down, and I see no reason why we can’t move up from Division 6 to Division 5 a year from now.
‘That’s my aim, and I believe the players are good enough to make it happen.’ Morgan also believes in the strength of his squad, pointing out that the longer the tournament went on, the more confident his players became.
So, in the under-18 boys’ competition North Wales finished top ahead of Northumberland and then the Channel Islands third, with the Isle of Man finishing in fourth and last place; while in the under-18s’ women’s tournament Wiltshire were first, the Channel Islands second, followed by Gloucestershire and, last of all the South of Scotland.
Men’s squad: Nick Thibeault (G), James Connell , Charlie Cohen , Scott Clayton, Jordan Roberts, Johnny Taylor (G), Alister Higgins (G), George Dupais.
Ladies’ squad: Francesca Dubras, Sarah Jones, Katie Gouyette, Kirsten McArthur, Joanna Dyer (G), Megan Hearse (G), Nicole Dubras, Laura Catterson.
