They did it. The team of three girls and three boys flew to Scotstoun in Glasgow, Scotland to represent England in the Junior Home Nations competition for the 14U Team. They played brilliantly and deserved their win.

Captains Report:

Lizzie Flint:

Last weekend coaches Rob Hawkins, Martyn Bray and Lizzie Flint took our U14 county team up to Glasgow to compete in the Junior Home Nations 2022. We only went and won it! 

Our team was Sophia, Izzie, Jess, Harry, Ashley and Halbie, and together they beat the national teams of Wales, Scotland and Ireland.  

It was such a brilliant achievement, but it certainly wasn’t easy. Wales were fierce competition. On day one, we finished with an equal number of rubbers and sets. In the end we only pipped them by a few games! Ireland were day two, who again had some tricky competition, but we stepped up and came through 4-2. Ending day three with it all to play for, we were up against Scotland, which at times felt like we were up against the whole country. Being the local side, they had a lot of loud support, including a megaphone, so to rise above the distraction and battle on against that, was exceptional from our team. We came through 4-2, and only losing those two matches on nail-biting Championship breakers. 

All six players competed hard throughout the entire event; we couldn’t have asked for more. They each overcame a lot of tough situations, supported one another throughout and had belief right until the end. It was brilliant to be a part of. It was a real team effort and we’re so proud of them! 

A few words from our players: 

Sophia: “It was an amazing experience and a great honour to represent England. As a county we won our age group, it just shows what a good atmosphere and teamwork can achieve! Our coaches were such a great support, and we couldn’t have achieved this without their belief in all of us!” 

Halbie added: “The opportunity to represent England was so special. It’s been a long journey from Wootten Bassett qualifying to Home Nations Champions and I feel very proud to be a part of such a fantastic team of players and coaches. The experience has been unforgettable.”

A big shout out as well to our full U14 County teams for helping us get to the Home Nations. The journey to this prestigious event started in the Summer at the County Cup qualifying rounds in Torquay and Wooten Bassett, before both our boys and girls team headed to Nottingham for the National Finals. Through some brilliant results at these tournaments, Mathi Lescano-Vecchi, Finlay McIntyre, Tom Bewley, Alice Zelley, Daisy Gunter and Savannah Marsh have all played their part too in helping Avon reach the Home Nations to represent England. Without them, we wouldn’t have been there. What a fantastic year it’s been for our U14 Avon team – one we won’t forget! 

Martyn Bray adds ‘This was an incredible team effort, including from the other players getting us there through the Regional and National qualifying events. The 14U National team prepared themselves daily for the challenging circumstances, rising to the physical and mental challenges, like practising early in the morning and still staying focused to the bitter end each day. The continuous support from the coaches, emphasising the ‘every point’ philosophy for many important reasons and our players continuous tennis quality, it felt like we actually wore down our opposition with our tennis and psychological qualities.’ 

Final Junior Home Nations results are:

18U won by Scotland

14U won by England (Avon 14U Team)

12U won by Wales

Here’s a short video of the weekend: