The U12s made huge progress in technique, match play and overall experience in the game, with both the A and B Teams winning all of their matches apart from Wycombe Abbey. The LIV singles was won by Adriana Montalvo Hernandez and, as she returns to Madrid, she will be missed next year. The National Aegon Competition is for U15 and U13 teams and starts in roundrobin sections within the county. We once again entered four teams: two in each age group and our U14s and U12s played as our second teams. The U15s won their section and met Marlborough in the county final, but were sadly defeated. The U14s had a disappointing tournament - all bar one school dropped out. Our U13s (Harriet Austin, Hebe Edgar, Davina Gray and Shubha Shetty) beat Godolphin and Dauntsey’s, but lost to South Wilts Grammar, and our U12s were undefeated, winning their division. In the final week of term, we entered the top four U14 and U13 players in the ISTA Championships at Eton. The U14s had to play in the U15 Asbury-Bailey Trophy; there were some outstanding players who clearly specialised in tennis and all matches were
of a very high standard. We fought hard and got better and better throughout the day, with many deuce games (losing out on sudden death) and narrow defeats, but much was gained from the experience. The first day of the U13 tournament was again inevitably tough with a very high standard of play and many players on very low LTA rankings; however, both St Mary’s pairs won one of their four matches and were eager to return for the second day and prove what they had learnt. This they did! Hebe Edgar and Shubha Shetty beat Bradford and Wycombe, but lost on sudden death deuce at 4-4 to Claremont, but if they could beat St Helen and St Katharine they would win the group as Bradford beat Claremont. Unfortunately, despite a match point, we lost 4-5. Meanwhile, Annabel Fenton and Davina Gray were getting better and better.
They won all of their matches to top their group and advance to the semi-final to play Hymer’s 1st pair. It was a nerveracking match for the spectators, but Davina and Annabel stayed calm, playing superb tennis for a place in the final. Despite an early lead, the anxious Reigate players stepped up and took control to win. Runners-up in the plate was no mean feat. So, a good first season on our new courts and we can all reflect on significant improvements. Tennis is a game that rewards commitment and Mr Hayes and Mr Lambert will continue to prepare the girls through the off-season. We will expect to take another step forward next year. Mrs Heidi Marvin Director of Sport
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