The girls’ 1stVI were unlucky not to repeat last year’s 100% record with a narrow 4-5 loss to Stowe, however the Independent Schools Girls Tennis League team, which is made up of players representing every year group, enjoyed a superb tournament, winning the competition and gaining revenge over last year’s winners, Epsom College, in the final. It is the second time that Bradfield have won the ISGTL trophy since its introduction five years ago. The Junior girls continue to impress and reached the County finals in the Year 9-10 LTA Schools competition.
The Senior boys’ 1stVI enjoyed an unbeaten regular fixture season with the closest match being against Eton College, a match which saw Bradfield win by 5-4. Arguably their finest achievement, however, was once again reaching the final of the Youll Cup. Seeking to defend their title, our boys came through deciding one- set doubles games in each of their fixtures, overcoming challenges from Leicester Grammar School, Radley, Repton and Ewell Castle to reach the final. They went down 2/0 to a strong Reeds team who didn’t drop a match all tournament, but the boys can be proud to have performed so consistently over the last few seasons as they continue to reach this stage of the biggest tournaments.
The boys’ Glanville Cup team won a high-quality regional final against Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School to reach the National Finals which were held in Nottingham at the end of June, another superb achievement. Our Junior boys also finished runners-up in the 16-team Eton Pairs tournament. Outstanding performances throughout his Bradfield career earned outgoing 1stVI Captain Tom (D) the opportunity to join Gonzaga University, Washington, USA to play Division 1 tennis. Tom played a key role in Bradfield’s success over the past five years and was also selected to represent the ISTA representative team in their fixture against the All-England Club at SW19 for the second season in a row. We wish him all the best as he enters the next phase of his academic and sporting journey.
