Report from Brenda Wilmot Junior Team Manager

The Eastern Region Junior Team was François Bourquin 17, Harry Waldie 13, Jack Pearse 12 and Christopher Wilmot 10. I think we could claim to have the youngest team on average at Brean Sands and with the youngest player! Despite their ages and inexperience of playing at this level of competition, they were determined to give it their all and over the two days of play their confidence improved. Although they did not win a game on Saturday, they managed to score three sevens, and to take the Chiltern Juniors – three of whom would be representing G.B. in the World Junior Championships later this year – to eight all. At this point in the game, with the pressure on, Chiltern decided to “sub”, and then won in the next two ends. Our juniors enjoyed that experience and confidence grew.
On Sunday they had a slow start and lost the first two games, against Southern to four and East Midlands to three. In the next game against Wales they surprised not only the Welsh team but themselves. After four ends of excellent pointing and shooting they were on eleven and Wales on nil. In the next end Wales scored one and continued to get the next nine points. We thought this was the end – but no, they failed to shoot out the holding Eastern boule. Wales were out of boules and we had three left Harry with two, and Chris with one, with one point to win. At this stage many Eastern region players had finished their games and were supporting the team. We all held our breath as Chris stepped into the circle – took his time and pointed for the winning point. A great moment for all the team and the spectators. We had a great weekend and I felt privileged to be their team manager. Well done lads!

Brenda Wilmot.