U13 match report
Devon v Dorset U13s
14/01/2007
Devon 11 - Dorset 25
Dorset is a county that I haven’t managed to beat yet while I have been training the U13s. This year again was going to be a difficult as Dorset has a very strong team of boys.
In the boys singles it was a bit of a white wash for us as we went down 6-0 against the Dorset boys. Luke Rutter was the only Devon boy to get into double figures while playing Patrick Adair.
This year Dorset fielded some very strong girls and while I was watching the Dorset girls knocking up I started to fear a 36-0 defeat. But our Devon girls dug deep and put in a very good performance winning 5 of the 6 girls singles. So after the singles we were only down 7-5.
The boys doubles was another tough experience and we went down 9-0.
The only real threat came from Simon Brassington and Luke Rutter when they forced a 3 setter against Michall Honne and Alex Thomas.
The girls doubles was again another good display from the Devon girls but the Dorset 1st pair proved to be unbeatable with only Laura Anson and Hannah Preece coming close with a 3 setter losing 16-21, 21-18, 18-21.
The mixed doubles was a bit disappointing losing all 6. The strength of the Dorset boys proved too much for us and they did a very good job of setting their partners up for the kill. However Charlie Ross and Olivia Marshall came close losing 22-24, 21-12, 17-21.
It was a tough match on our boys as they didn’t manage to win a game. But I was so impressed with the attitude of the players. There were no tantrums and they respected the fact that the Dorset boys were a lot stronger. But that did not stop them giving everything and not giving up.
What was obvious after the match is the strength of team spirit that exists. Every player is happy when a teammate wins and takes it just as hard when a teammate loses. Every player played out of their skins in this match and I am extremely pleased the effort that they put in. We are looking forward to the next match.
Player of the Match is Luke Rutter for his determination and sportsmanship against a stronger opposition.
Steve Duggan
Devon U13s Coach