Warwickshire County Cup Team Clinch Bronze at 2025 National Finals

Written by Rachael Baker

Warwickshire 12U Girls Team

Team Captain: Rachael Baker

Assistant Captain: Charlotte Eaton

Team:

• Anya Cooner

• Nella Aulehlova

• Hollie Ruck

• Jessica Parker

• Angeliki Kavoura

Results:

vs Berkshire – 4-2

vs Middlesex – 0-6

vs Hampshire & IOW – 5-1

3rd/4th Playoff: vs Yorkshire – 5-1

Click here to view the full results here

26-28th September 2025

The 2025 County Cup National finals took place at Nottingham Tennis Centre, Nottingham. Warwickshire's draw saw them have to face Berkshire, Middlesex and Hampshire & Isle of Wight in their round robin group.

Berkshire were the first opponents Friday morning.

Berkshire was anticipated to be a competitive match based on their rankings. Jessica started proceedings with a comfortable win. Hollie fought well and was mentally strong, but succumbed to a strong opponent and some unfortunate sudden deaths. Nella had a close match, striking the ball well and mixing up the play but missed out on two tie break sets. Anya was playing through a cold, but had a confident start chasing every ball down and was victorious after a championship tie break. This resulted in a 2-2 draw at the end of the singles. In the doubles the girls were very relaxed, pumping each other up for energy and

communicating well. They set the points up building well and the partner taking the interceptions to finish. And scrambling to defend when they needed to. Both doubles were won by Warwickshire resulting in an overall 4-2 win over Berkshire.

The next tie was against last years National Champions, Middlesex! All of the Middlesex players are ranked within the top 14 of the country making the opposition extremely tough. That said, notable achievement's saw Angeliki do a second serve ace! And Nella hit an amazing backhand half volley attacking winner! All of the girls battled well and there was some entertaining tennis the speed the balls were being hit at. Unfortunately in the end Warwickshire were outplayed making the overall result 6-0 to Middlesex.

Saturdays last round robin tie was against Hamphire and Isle of Wight. Jessica dominated play in her singles. Hollie had a tougher battle having to dig deep and remain composed to take the match in a championship tie break. Nella was on form stepping into every ball hitting with pace. Anya faced a very tough opponent again producing some very entertaining tennis. She stayed positive throughout, but unfortunately lost 10-8 in a championship tie break. The Warwickshire girls again produced some brilliant doubles play working very well as a team and looking very relaxed and having fun. The overall score was a 5-1 win over Hamphire and IOW. This meant we finished our group in second place so would be playing for the 3/4th playoffs Sunday.

As we had some free time Saturday evening the team all went to play mini golf together before dinner. Luckily the girls weren't quite as competitive as with their tennis so everyone had fun and was relaxed forming more team bonds. Jessica was the overall winner, but everyone did get a hole in one and Angeliki even got 3 hole in ones and won a free game!

After a good sleep and an unlimited breakfast at the hotel the Warwickshire girls were ready to take on Yorkshire Sunday morning for a chance to come 3rd overall in the National finals. After overnight rain had flooded the courts, the captains and parents worked hard to sweep the courts so they were fit to play on. The girls went into the air hall to warm up and were joined by the Warwickshire boys who were also competing at the event. After a slight delay to the start of play, the final tie of the event got underway. Despite hurting her foot Jessica was scrambling around defending well, then building and finishing when she had the opportunity. After narrowly losing the first set in a tie break, Jessica regained momentum in the second to win it 4-0, then take the championship tie break 11-9. Hollie had a slow start, but once she had warmed up again she was attacking well, moving her opponent around and serving very well producing a few aces. Nella was solid once again, remaining composed and attacking well and coming to the net. Anya faced another strong opponent. She managed to battle and not give up, even rattling her opponent and only just losing the first set tie break 8-6. Unfortunately the opponent was too strong in the end making the overall result 3-1 at the end of the singles. After being a successful doubles pairing before, Hollie and Nella teamed up. They had a nervy start and were against some unfortunate line calls. But that seemed to spur them on to fight more and they won both sets in tie breaks. Anya and Angeliki had a fighting spirit also and through that magic the Warwickshire girls have of working well together, they pulled off a shock win in a championship tie break. The overall result against Yorkshire was 5-1 to the Warwickshire bears. This meant Warwickshire had secured 3rd place of the National Finals for the second year running!

Anya, Nella, Hollie, Angeliki and Jessica should all be proud of themselves. They all contributed to finish the competition in 3rd place overall, which is a massive achievement, especially for a team who had to qualify to be in the event. There were times of nervousness 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. They have really bonded as a team. The girls behaviour on and off the court was good and they have all done Warwickshire proud to have them representing the county.

On a personal note, I have been with this team for two years now and seen them win two bronze medals at the National finals. They have been a joy to work with and I will be sad to see them move on to the next captain. They are amazing tennis players, have great attitudes and have created lots of fun over the weekends we have shared at the county cup events.

Thank you to all the team involved from captains, deputy captains, players, parents and Warwickshire Tennis for making the weekend so enjoyable and an experience the children will never forget. Also a special mention to Graeme Baker who has helped shape the county coaching programme into what it is today so we can all enjoy the experience.