U13 match report
Devon v Somerset U13 Match
22/10/2006
Devon 14 - Somerset 22
Team:
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The first match of the season with many new players in the squad was always going to be a bit of an unknown. There were pre-match nerves from some of the new players to the team, and the coach too.
The match kicked of with the singles and it was soon clear that this was going to be a very close match. In the boys singles, Simon Brassington beat Alex Hole 22-20 & 21-13 on his debut for Devon. Also picking up a well earned win on his debut was Ross Perrett winning 13-21, 21-9, 21-10.
The girls started much stronger with old hands Rowan Despard beating Amy Reddaway, 21-16, 17-21, 23-21, and Rachel Perkins beating Alice Llackson 21-16, 21-17. There were gritty performances from reserves Lauren Crump and Hannah Laidler, both winning after a three game nail biter.
So after the singles the score was 6-6. All to play for in the doubles.
In the boys doubles the experience of the Somerset boys swung the balance in their favour, as they were stronger tactically than the Devon Boys. However the Devon boys got stuck in and most of the games were very close. Only a victory for Simon Brassington and Luke Rutter against Billy Illingworth and Alex Hole prevented Somerset boys having a clean sweep in the doubles.
The girls faired much better in the doubles. Rachel Perkins and Rowan Despard’s experience and superior tactics and positioning showed as they won all three of their doubles without really being threatened. Olivia Marshall and Jenny Maddison picked up a win as did Hannah Laidler and Lauren Crump.
So after the doubles the score stood at 12-18. It was tough for the players to go into the mixed knowing that the best they could do was draw the match. Shoulders were now starting to drop.
The mixed saw two more victories courtesy of Olivia Marshall and Luke Rutter winning 21-18 21-18, and Hannah Laidler and Ben Shapland winning 21-18, 21-19.
Player of the match is Rachel Perkins for her dominant display in her singles and excellent doubles play with team mate Rowan Despard.
Verdict. Good effort. Solid foundations to build on for the rest of the season.
Steve Duggan
Devon U13s Coach.