With the 12 Counties inter-county tournament reaching its final stages, it was the turn of the under 16s Yorkshire team to make their contribution to this prestigious event. As defending champions of the first division, Yorkshire were hoping to retain their title, and it was left to the under 16s squad to play out the final round in the infamous freezing tennis centre of Corby.

Thongsbridge talent and experienced Yorkshire player, Andrew Atkinson, was in fine form and put in a superb performance for Yorkshire, securing excellent wins against some high quality opposition. Yorkshire took comfortable wins against Cambridgeshire and favourites Hertfordshire, but ended up in a tight 2-2 draw against Essex. But their strong performance through the day gave them 1st place overall, due to their higher game count than Essex.

With all the age groups from under 10s to under 18s having made their contribution to this event over the last few weeks, the under 16s performance was unfortunately not enough for Yorkshire to retain the 12 Counties title, but with a wealth of up and coming talent in the younger age groups, and solid veteran players like Andrew, Thongsbridge are likely to continue to make a valuable contribution to County tennis, and the top spot is well within reach for Yorkshire again next year.

Ben Horner was in action in an under 12s county tour event in Derbyshire, and secured a comfortable win, and a couple of narrow losses in a challenging draw in Derbyshire. His game is going from strength to strength, and he is in good shape for the summer season.

Matthew Taylor has been training hard, and is reaping the reward for his dedication. He played in an under 14s County tour event in Lancashire, and a match play event in South Ribble, and managed to secure 2 excellent wins, which will secure him a well deserved ratings rise for the forthcoming summer season.

Matthew Taylor

Ben Horner