Tennis Stars win Silver Medal at National Prep Tennis Championships

Brentwood Preparatory School U11 tennis players had an incredible two days competing at Rugby School in the IAPS National Tennis Finals securing a silver medal - the School’s highest ever finish at the nationals. 

With over 160 players competing from prep schools across the country, Brentwood pupils shined throughout the event. Proud Brentwood School Tennis Coach, Mark Simpson-Crick, said: “Our young tennis stars produced a number of heroic performances across both days.”

In the Under 11 Boys’ event, Brandon P and Oscar V (Year 6) recorded a number of great wins against Feltonfleet, Gayhurst and St Ronan’s to reach the final. It was a thrilling contest against a Perse side which consisted of two boys in the top 20 UK rankings for this age group. Brandon got Brentwood off to a brilliant start, winning his singles match in three sets against the top seed to put Brentwood one up in the final. Oscar fought hard in his singles match but lost to a confident performer in two sets to bring the final back level at one match all. This meant it was all down to the doubles for the gold medal and all of the finalists put on a great display in what was a highly entertaining final of the highest standard. Unfortunately, a number of sudden death deuces went against Brentwood and the team ended up losing to a strong Perse pair in two sets to gain silver for Brentwood and secure the School’s highest ever finish at the nationals. 

Mr Simpson-Crick said: “It was an incredible achievement for Brandon and Oscar who performed exceptionally throughout the national finals and can be very proud of their silver medal.”

Brentwood’s U11 Girls’ A team also secured their highest finish ever in this competition as they managed to finish sixth. Teccla A (Year 5) and Imogen P (Year 6) won against Stonyhurst and Belmont Mill Hill but were unfortunate to lose in the deciding doubles match to St Albans for a place in the semi-finals. Mr Simpson-Crick added: “It was a really confident display from both the Brentwood girls who fought so hard for this incredible position and have bright futures ahead of them”.

Alexander L (Year 5) and Louis B (Year 6) ensured Brentwood had two teams finishing in the top 10 in the boys’ competition this year. It was a fantastic performance from the boys who showed great energy and character throughout the competition to defeat Gayhurst and St Ronan’s. Despite putting up a great fight against Perse B and Stonyhurst, they narrowly lost in both matches to the deciding doubles rubbers.

Issy F and Scarlett K (Year 6) defeated Dragon School and Solihull Prep to secure 13th place in the girls’ competition. They also had some great matches against Amesbury, Ashfold and Stonyhurst St Mary’s growing in confidence as the tournament progressed. Issy and Scarlett finished the tournament with a great doubles win to round off a really successful two days for the Brentwood teams.

Mr Simpson-Crick added; “A big thank you to all the staff and parents who supported the players throughout this event. It was a great team effort and we are all very proud of our team’s performance and have many fantastic memories to share from this amazing experience”.