“Excellent rallies” as young players showcase their skills

A total of 35 different players took part in the second GTTA Junior Banded tournament of the season with six competitive groups in action.

Spectators watching from the balconies were treated to some excellent rallies and matches as the players showcased their skills. 

Band 1 produced some quality encounters, with Micah Cohen emerging as the clear winner after an outstanding run of victories. Cohen remained unbeaten, collecting 10 points and demonstrating consistent defensive play, including a straight-sets wins over Xavier Ingrouille, Oliver Sparks, and Keira Eldridge.

The battle for the remaining podium places was fiercely contested. Oliver Sparks secured second place with 8 points after notable victories over Xavier Ingrouille and Thea Cummins but lost out narrowly to fifth place Albie Lihou 1–2. 

Band 2 ultimately featured five players after a late withdrawal due to illness, but still produced a number of entertaining matches. Olivia Gilbert finished top of the standings with 8 points, claiming key victories over Harvey Zhang, Ella Le Ber, Louis Ma, and Morgan Finn. Her match against Finn was particularly close, with Gilbert prevailing 2–1 in a tightly contested encounter.

Finn secured second place with 6 points having finished joint with Le Ber and Ma with all players losing 2 games each. However he had a better ratio of sets for and against and claimed the 2^nd place. 

Keil Butt had a great performance to win Band 3, finishing top of the group with five victories only dropping 1 set to 3^rd place Jack Dorey. Perran Lomax finished second, winning four of his five matches. 

Newcomer Oliver Norman came out top in Band 4, finishing top of the group with five victories with a hard-fought match with runner-up Mason Fairbrother.

10-year-old Isabella De Carteret played excellently to top Band 5, winning all five of her matches despite being down in some of her matches she fought hard and got the results she needed. Runner spot went to 9-year-old left hander Jake Webb 

Band 6 saw new player Maddison Finn deliver a dominant performance to take first place, winning all of her matches in convincing style, while cousin Emily Finn finished in runner-up position, 

Thea Cummins and Miles Le Noury were awarded Players of the Day for their persistence and positive approach, particularly in several closely fought matches. Umpire of the Day was presented to Isabella Williams, who showed growing confidence and accuracy while officiating and recording scores as the event progressed.

RESULTS: