14&U Boys County Cup 2026
2nd-3rd May Group 2a at Halton
Team: Miguel Dadios, Robin Jones, Marc Power, Alex Salifu, Carlos Sturridge, Alex Vout
Captain: Steve Sumpter
Day 1
On a beautiful day at Halton Tennis Centre, the Bucks 14&U team hosted Northamptonshire, Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk with lots of parents and supporters present.
In the first matches against Northamptonshire, Marc and Carlos both got off to flying starts winning both their singles in commanding fashion. Robin and Alex V looked equally motivated in their singles, although both had to work hard to break down their opponents’ consistent play. Alex took a straight sets win, while Robin battled to take a match tiebreak victory. After Alex V and Robin won their doubles later on in the day, while Miguel and Alex S paired up well to win in straight sets, the final score against Northamptonshire was a 6-0 win.
Essex were next up and all the boys knew they had to be on top of their game. Miguel and Alex S were first up and both lost very close matches, with one or two points being the difference between winning and losing. Robin and Alex V came out firing in their singles. While Robin came through with a superb win against a higher ranked opponent, Alex V lost an extremely close tiebreak, eventually losing out to the Essex number 1.
The Bucks boys went into the doubles keen to bring the scores level, but Marc and Carlos just couldn't quite break down some huge serving from a very good Essex doubles pair. They both came off court disappointed but knowing they played good tennis and communicated brilliantly with each other throughout. With Alex V and Robin losing to the Essex number 1s 10-8 in a 3rd set tiebreak, the overall score was 5-1 to Essex.
Going into day 2, the Bucks boys knew they had tough but winnable matches ahead. After a later start and a lay in, they were ready to go.
Carlos and Miguel got 2 points on the Bucks scoreboard very quickly with dominating wins against Norfolk playing very good tactical and well thought out matches. Robin also played within himself and got a straight sets win over a big serving opponent, showing good composure on break points. Alex V had the toughest match of the day and couldn't quite get past a big hitting number 1.
3-1 up going into the doubles both pairs of Alex S and Miguel, and Alex Vand Robin were quietly confident and showed why with quick wins over Norfolk to seal a 5-1 win.
Alex S came on for his first singles match of the day against Suffolk and came up against a consistent and inspired player who executed a good game plan. With multiple breaks of serves in the match, his opponent won a few keys points to take the win. Marc then showed great grit and determination to beat a tenacious opponent. With the rallies regularly going over 20 shots per point, it took a lot of concentration to secure the win.
Robin and Alex V both raced away to quick first sets and never looked back, winning in straight sets to give a Bucks another great lead. Marc and Carlos having faced a tough doubles loss yesterday, did everyone proud by beating the Suffolk pair 2 in a animated and tough match. They showed great bravery in dominating the net and after a few tactical tweaks from the day before showed they are a great doubles pair.
Despite playing a lot of tennis over the weekend, Alex V and Robin didn’t show any signs of tiredness and sealed another 5-1 win for Bucks, much to the enjoyment of a great home support at Halton.
Overall 2nd place behind a strong Essex team was a result all the boys and support team could be extremely proud of. They fought hard for each other and didnt let each other down all weekend. Well done boys.