Winners of The Road to Eastbourne Tournament 2014

Year 4 team from the Vale School

In order to qualify for the grand final on Saturday 21^st June, our children competed in two previous tournaments, against 14 different schools. On finals day, our team arrived bright and early to the Devonshire Park Club with their families.

After receiving our ground passes and lanyards from the LTA staff, we made our way to grass court 7, to sign in for the beginning of the tournament. As we walked onto the court, we could see Madison Keys (the winner of the ladies final) ‘knocking up’ with her coach on the next court across. We were to play against seven other schools (from across Sussex,  whom had all won two previous rounds to qualify for the final.

The children competed in 4 differing styles of relays, that were designed to test their ability balance and coordination. Our team was very strong in these events. 

The children worked together to complete the events in an extremely fast time. After  this they were given a 10 minute break before the tennis matches started.

Some of team went autograph hunting and came back with signatures from: Madison Keys, Martina Navratilova and Annabelle Croft! When the second part of the competition started our teams were split into 2. Half of the children played mini tennis, and the other half competed in more tennis skills tests such as: target throw, service returns and a longest rally game.

The standard of the other competitors was very high. In the pre match pep talk, I had reminded the children what a great achievement it was to have even reached the finals and that their focus should be on an enjoyable day of tennis.

Our boys team played with skill, determination and a sense of fair play.

Our girls team were unbeaten in the tennis event and showed excellent tennis etiquette.

However, our children all played exceptionally well in all the events. When the results were announced it became clear just how well they had done!

Year 4 Winners of The Road to Eastbourne Tournament 2014

This is a wonderful achievement, you should all be very proud of yourselves.

Mrs C    :)