It’s double promotion joy for Shropshire in LTA 18U County Cup

There was promotion joy for Shropshire's girls and boys tennis teams in the LTA 18U County Cup as they both celebrated winning their groups.

The two Shropshire teams made the most of home advantage last weekend to produce impressive performances.

They can both now look forward to competing at a higher level in Group 5 of the prestigious annual competition next year.

Shropshire's girls team, jointly captained by Cheryl Evans and Sarah Rutherford, delivered a fine display on the indoor courts at Ellesmere College, winning both of their fixtures against Bedfordshire and North Wales to top the Group 6B table.

They only dropped one singles rubber throughout as they won 11 of their 12 singles matches during a strong team performance.

It was a little closer for the Shropshire boys team at Telford Tennis Centre as they held their nerve to claim the victories they needed in doubles to get the better of North Wales to also secure top spot in Group 6B.

Shropshire's boys team also enjoyed an excellent victory in their fixture against Northumberland.

With an encouraging eye to the future, Shropshire were represented by young teams in both the girls and boys events, so there's real promise for the future given the teams can continue to play together and enjoy representing the county.

Tennis Shropshire chair Mark Wilson, offering his congratulations to the two county teams, said: “We are very proud of both teams. It's great to see the youngsters progressing from the various age groups into the under-18s and enjoying such impressive success and showing such a mature strength in how they play.

“All of the players represent Shropshire so well, and it's also great credit to the roles done by the county captains and coaches because they have worked very hard with the teams.

“The players, together with the support of the coaches, is obviously a very good combination that is working really well.

“It was nice for both teams to play their group fixtures here at home in Shropshire in an environment that makes them feel comfortable.

"We are fortunate that two very good indoor venues meant it was possible to host the matches simultaneously in different locations.”

Pictured: Shropshire's girls team enjoyed gaining an impressive LTA 18U County Cup promotion at Ellesmere College, while the county's boys team also produced an excellent performance to win their group at Telford Tennis Centre.