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The Norfolk Team of Brady Mackenzie (EATSC) George Pinkstone (Fakenham) and Gabriel Escalera (EATSC) travelled to The National Squash Centre in Manchester to compete in the under 11s inter county. This was the first time the boys had pulled on the County Colours and they were very excited. First up was Warwickshire who proved too strong despite the boys giving them a run for their money. Brady at Number 1 String was able to pick up a valuable point losing out 11-8 in a close final game 6-1 To Warwickshire Next up was Kent who had 2 players in the top 15 Gabs at Number 3 String was beginning to find his length and made the Kent player work hard, Brady had a game ball against Jude Gibbons who is ranked 5 in England and George nearly surprised England number 13 Dylan Roberts as he covered every inch of the court with some excellent retrieving however it wasn’t to be and Kent took the match 6-0.
Into the final group game against Sussex Gabs lost the first game against the Number 3 string but at 8-2 down and seemingly all hope lost he won nine points on the trot to take the second game. Playing freely now and with a spring in his step Gabs was able to take the final game and put Norfolk in the driving seat. Brady came out all guns blazing at Number 1 string winning the first 11-4, he then had 2 match points but was unable to take them as the Sussex Number 1 forced him to a third game. The momentum was with the Sussex player now and with Brady unable to regain his composure the game was closed out by Sussex 11-8. This meant it was all down to the last game and while George battled hard the Sussex Number 2 played some faultless Squash to win 2-0. 4-3 to Sussex. Having picked up enough points along the way the boys were delighted to know that they were playing for 16th place and had avoided the wooden spoon. Against Worcestershire, again all the pressure was on George at Number 2 string after Gabs had lost 2-0 and Brady won 2-0. This one again went to the wire. After losing the first George came fighting back with some great lob serves and flick drops to set up a nail biting last game. George gave it his all but a few nerves crept into his game and despite some very Vocal Norfolk support Worcestershire came through to win the match 4-3. The boys loved the experience clicking superbly as a team supporting each other and soaking up the atmosphere. We predict many great matches to come for these youngsters as they grow and improve through the age groups. |
