Norfolk quartet take on the Essex Open and come home with 2 silver medals

Charlie, Jess, Caitlyn and Harry travelled to Redbridge for the u14 and u12 essex opens on Sunday 15th May.

U14 open

Jess lost a game in her group but went through as group runner-up. This put her in the same part of the draw as the number 2 seed, and unfortunately Jess was knocked out by the seed in the quarter finals in two very very close games 16-14 18-16. Caitlin also lost a group game to the seed in her group but went through and won her next match only to meet the number one seed and current England player in the quarter final. Despite taking the first game the England player won the next two games to knock Caitlin out of the tournament (14-16 15-7 15-9).

Jess and Caitlin were unlucky enough in their doubles to draw a very strong England player in their group and after another close match unfortunately lost 13-15 12-15.

Charlie was unbeaten in his group and went through to the knockout stage where he faced the number 2 seed and 12th Ranked player in the country. Charlie managed to win the match 15-13 15-7 to progress to the quarter final stage. Charlie then played the number 5 seed who proved too strong for him going out 15-9 15-13.

U12 open

Harry was playing up a year at the same venue. He won his group and after a very tight 3 set game in the first round he battled his way through to the semi final where he played the number 2 seed. Harry won the match 15-11 15-13 to earn the right to play the number 1 seed in the final. Harry won the first game 15 – 8 but was unable to win another losing the next two games 11-15 10-15.

Harry and Partner Isum Arachchige comfortably won their group and won through to the semi final stage where the won a very close match with the number 3 seeds. In the final they faced last years under 11 national doubles champions. Despite a spirited fight they were unable to find a way past the older boys losing 15-11 15-8.