Battles at the Qualifiers: 12U Girls County Cup 2025

Written by Rachael Baker

Team:

Captain: Rachael Baker

Deputy Captain: Charlotte Eaton

Players:

Anya Cooner

Nella Aulehlova

Hollie Ruck

Angeliki Kavoura

Jessica Parker

Results:

 vs Hertfordshire – 4-2

 vs Durham & Cleveland – 4-2

 vs North of Scotland – 4-2

Click here to view full results

13-14 September 2025

The 2025 County Cup Qualifiers took place at Boston Tennis Centre, Boston. Warwickshire's draw saw them have to face Hertfordshire and Durham and Cleveland in their round robin group. After a very long wait around on the Saturday morning, play opened against Hertfordshire in the afternoon. Hertfordshire was anticipated to be a competitive match based on their rankings. There was a slightly nervy start for the girls, with a couple dropping their heads and not being able to find a way back. But also a couple who managed to show fighting spirit to turn it around and regain momentum to win their matches. This resulted in a 2-2 draw at the end of the singles. Whilst finding their feet in the doubles, the girls again had a nervy start going behind. But after relaxing, pumping each other up for energy and changing tactics the girls came back. By being more positive, communicating and working as a team better, the girls managed to be victorious in both their 3rd set

tiebreaks. This resulted in an overall 4-2 win over Hertfordshire.

The next tie Saturday afternoon was against Durham and Cleveland, who had beat Hertfordshire that morning to make this the deciding tie who got in to the 1st /2nd play off. Nella and Jessica kept good control, using depth and placement to take their singles matches comfortably. Anya and Hollie had good starts to their matches, however the opposition found a way back causing another 2-2 draw at the end of the singles. Hollie came out with a revived purpose for the doubles pairing up with Nella. They had great teamwork, communicating well, displaying high energy and setting each other up by building and finishing the points. They kept their focus well to win. Jessica and Angeliki paired up for the 2nd doubles. They were very relaxed and having fun. They communicated well during the points and talking tactics between points leading them to a comfortable win. The overall result was 4-2 to Warwickshire making them the group winners.

Saturday was a long day starting late and playing two ties, so the girls were understandably tired. But throughout all the matches they gave 100% and soaked up the support of everyone watching from the sidelines, including parents, the county captain and assistant, and most importantly from each other. We even introduced a prize for supporter of the day chosen by the captain and assistant, and player of the day by the girls themselves. Supporter of the day was Jessica, who was at the sidelines watching every match she wasn't playing. And even when she was playing she was shouting across encouragement to the other Warwickshire girls. Player of the day was unanimously voted as Nella. She was very strong and consistent all day so it was very well deserved. The prizes were dampners for their rackets.

After a good sleep and an unlimited breakfast at the hotel the Warwickshire girls were ready to take on North of Scotland Sunday morning for a chance to qualify for a place in the National finals. With rain threatening, play started promptly. Again the singles went 50/50 with a couple of the girls dominating, playing their basics well to build and finish whilst remaining composed throughout. And the other half playing some very good tennis, but

losing confidence towards the end. Anyas match in particular was very entertaining to watch with both players locked in a battle of hard hitting and was very high intensity. Keeping with the pattern of the weekend it was 2-2 after the singles so still everything to play for.

After being a successful doubles pairing before (even at last years National finals) Hollie and Jessica teamed up. They were a little nervous in the first set not playing as freely as before, but they remained consistent to take the first set. In the second set they settled down, worked as a team better building and finishing and playing on as top form as we know them to. As a result they ran away with the second set making the overall tie 3-2. Anya and Nella were the other doubles pair. After an unfortunate incident in the first game getting brutally hit in the face with a ball, Nella had a medical timeout. Nella bravely fought on, with the incident seeming to give Nella and Anya both more fighting spirit. They were very energetic, working well as a team and gained momentum to win the match.

This meant Warwickshire had secured 1st place and a place at the County Cup National finals in a fortnights time!

Anya, Nella, Hollie, Angeliki and Jessica should all be proud of themselves. They all contributed to finish the competition in 1st place overall which is a massive achievement. There were times of nervousness, negativity and disappointment resulting in some learning curves for the girls. But more so there were moments of magic, with some quality tennis, great come backs and personal achievements. The evening meals together was a highlight with all the children having smiles on their faces and enjoying the experience. The girls behaviour on and off the court was good and they have all done Warwickshire proud to have them representing the county. Thank you to all the team involved from captains, deputy captains, players, parents and Warwickshire LTA for making the weekend so enjoyable and an experience the children will never forget.

Hopefully this can be repeated in two weeks at the National finals in Nottingham. Good luck girls!