U11 Girls Whitehead Cup: 8th December 2007, Cottesmore School

Double Victory for Sussex Girls!

On Saturday December 8th the Sussex under 11 Girls Team took part in the Whitehead Cup at Cottesmore School Pease Pottage Sussex , which this Year was being hosted by Sussex .

Previous winners had been Kent (2003), Surrey (2004 & 2005) and Lancashire (2006). The Cup this time around was being contested between Sussex , Surrey , Kent and Berkshire . Three rounds of 35 mins on the clock for each player, playing for eighteen points. The Team of six girls comprised Amy Hoare, Cosima Keen, Hannah Watkinson, Eliza McHugh, Katie O’Nunain and Harriett Tomlin.

From the end of the first round, it appeared as though the battle would be between Sussex and Surrey for first place. Sussex just managing to keep ahead of Surrey by one point after the first two rounds, everyone in the Sussex Team room – especially the parents – was on tender hooks as we entered the last round and depended upon two wins against Surrey to secure victory. As we entered the last stages, we had won one of the two matches required. Hannah entered the Team room and in a quiet voice announced that she had won her match against Surrey ; VICTORY was ours!!

Final Score:
Sussex 14
Surrey 13
Kent 6
Berkshire 3

The Reserve Team took part in the Cottesmore Cup - Sussex v Kent . But they were by no means the reserve team. The Team of four girls comprised Lauren Merry, Emily Yates, Danielle Parada-Sanchez and Beth Shoesmith. Again three rounds with 35 minutes on the clock for each player, playing for a total of twelve points. Playing brilliantly during the first two rounds, at the start of the third, it was already clear that Sussex had secured victory, but could we do it in style? The girls did not disappoint. All check mating at the same time, the final round saw wins for all four.

Final Score:
Sussex 9
Kent 3

The whole day was a great success, parents and children enjoying the delicious afternoon tea prepared by Cottesmore Schools catering staff, for which we thank them very much, as well as the Headmaster Mr Tysoe and all his staff and pupils for making all counties so welcome. Many thanks also to Cathy, Ruth and Bernie for manning the refreshments station during the day, to Nick for acting as our Board Steward, supporting parents and most of all, the girls. The Sussex Girls were great ambassadors for the game and each and every one of them should be very proud of their performance. Thank you also to Surrey , Kent and Berkshire for taking part; there would not have been a tournament without them.

WELL DONE GIRLS!!