EPSCA U11 Girls Final: 1st March 2008, Oxford

The under 11 Sussex Girls Team travelled to Oxford on Saturday 1st March to compete in the Inter-Association Girls County Finals. Thirteen other counties took part: Oxfordshire , Kent , Wey-Valley (Surrey), Berkshire, Liverpool, Hampshire, Oldham, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Barnet, Manchester , Hertfordshire and Essex.

Those girls playing for Sussex were Amy Hoare, Cosima Keen, Hannah Watkinson, Eliza McHugh, Katherine Lane , Lauren Merry, Katie O’Nunain, Emily Yates, Harriet Tomlin, Daniela Parada-Sanchez, Beth Shoesmith and Rachel O’Nunain. Two reserves also took part in a separate tournament, Aksa Tomy and Helen Todd-Saunders.

Four girls had left their French Exchange trip early with Fonthill Lodge to join their Team (Hannah, Katherine, Lauren and Emily). Everyone would like to thank Jackie, Katherine’s mother, for travelling over to France on the Friday to collect the girls and Fonthill Lodge for allowing the girls to depart early.

After round one, Sussex was positioned second, jointly with Barnet (9.5) and behind Wey-Valley (10).

Second round and Sussex was still second (18.5) but this time Oxfordshire first (19) with Wey –Valley third (17.5).

All the Team had to keep their nerve as we entered the last round. No one could afford to falter. As winning results came in the excitement mounted. Two games remained in the hall, one being Amy v Eili Topham (Hertfordshire). It was vital that Amy won her match to secure second place. Coaches, Team Manager, Board Steward and Amy’s mother Bernie waited outside for Amy to appear; it really was unbearable, especially for Bernie. She won!! As Amy announced her victory to the rest of her Team she received the loudest applause of the whole day. We had kept second place. Oxfordshire first and Wey-Valley third. What a fantastic result! And as a note of interest, our three girls who played Oxfordshire Amy, Katherine and Harriett won their games. Our two reserves also played well, winning three points.

Final results: Oxfordshire 28, Sussex 27.5, Wey-Valley 26.5, Nottinghamshire 25.5, Barnet 24, Essex 21.5, Kent 21, Oldham 16, Liverpool 12, Berkshire 11.5, Manchester 11.5, Northamptonshire 11.5, Hertfordshire 11 and Hampshire 4.5.

As the fourteen Sussex girls were presented with their trophies, clutching on to their Sussex teddies, they were the happiest there and had the largest smiles of the whole afternoon. A celebratory meal followed at the Harvester.

What a wonderful season the Team has had and well deserved for a bunch of terrific girls, who support each other and play as a team.

Well done!