LTA Summer County Cup Comes to Hunstanton

LTA Summer County Cup Comes to Hunstanton
Winning Shropshire team with LTA Councillor John Copsey

The Lawn Tennis Association Summer County Cup gives players the opportunity to represent their county.

The Cup is a traditional, annual inter-county cup played at the end of July. There are seven divisions in total in both the men’s and ladies leagues, with each group containing six teams of ten players, of whom 6 are picked for each rubber. Each division is contested at different grass court venues across the country.

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This year, Hunstanton Recreation Ground was chosen to host the men’s Division Six, with Avon, Shropshire, Northumberland, Somerset, Staffordshire and Gloucestershire all vying for a place in Division Five.
These are the top players from each county. Charlie Swaine was in attendance representing Avon. The 17 year old, who won the Hunstanton tennis tournament last year, recently played at Wimbledon in the junior singles, losing to Swiss star, Flynn Thomas, in the second round. The standard here was very high and the pace ferocious, as each county battled it out trying to gain that elusive promotion (and avoid relegation).

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Tournament referee Dianna Gibson talks with the winning team and John Copsey

Tournament referee, Dianne Gibson, was impressed with the courts at Hunstanton, recognising local Groundsman, Jonny Ives, efforts, turning up at 5.30am each day to keep the lawns in pristine condition. John Copsey, LTA Councillor for Lincolnshire, was in attendance to present the trophies. He was equally wax lyrical about the high quality of the courts, highlighting the fact that they are the only public courts utilised by the LTA in the country.

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In the end, an exciting week’s tennis came down to the final day on the Friday, as both Shropshire & Staffordshire triumphed and gained promotion, whilst Avon and Gloucestershire were relegated.

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Norfolk Men, who are in Division Four, were in action over at Cromer where they will stay in that division, whilst the Ladies were relegated to Division Four. The men’s and ladies elite in Division One all played at Eastbourne where Surrey and Hertfordshire respectively were crowned 2024 Champions. Hopefully, Hunstanton will be chosen to host either the Norfolk’s men’s or ladies teams next year.

The Hunstanton tennis tournament takes place from Monday, 19th August to Saturday, 24th August. Organised by Chris Holt and his team, this year’s event looks to be as big and better than ever. Why not pop down and enjoy the action throughout the week whilst sampling the various food stalls, boutiques and The Host sponsored beer tent.

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