Teams representing Wiltshire descended on Rocket Padel in Bristol on the weekend of the 18th/19th November to compete in the first ever UK County Padel Championships. There were teams fielded in Ladies, Men’s and mixed competitions. 44 teams from counties across the UK were represented spanning from East Scotland to the Channel Islands.
The Ladies represented by a team all hailing from Swindon – Alicia Hazzard, Patrica De Lucas, Sarah Boyce and Sylvie Darrieumerlou had a fabulous first day defeating Devon and Cheshire 2 rubbers to love. The standard was high, and the matches were played in a fantastic spirit. Day 2 saw a tougher ask against the Channel Islands. After 2 hours of battling, unfortunately Wiltshire ladies lost a 10-point match tie break which meant the team missed out on the semi-finals by set difference. The ladies competition was eventually won by Yorkshire.
The mixed team made up of Alicia Hazzard, Patricia De Lucas, Jack Notton and Calli Smith were dealt a tough draw. After a good win against Gloucestershire 2 rubbers to 0, the team were faced by the prospect of Number 1 seeds Sussex represented by Team GB players. Wiltshire battled valiantly but fell to another championship tie break – losing 13-11. Sussex would continue on to take the overall crown so a fantastic effort from the team!
The Men’s team made up of Jack Notton, Calli Smith, Ryan Williams, Lucca Durazzo were up against it, drawn into a tough group. The team had some excellent wins against Somerset and Oxfordshire but unfortunately lost to strong Surrey and Buckinghamshire Teams.
Two brilliant days at the outstanding facility Rocket Padel, Bristol and organised marvellously by UK Padel. The paella on offer wasn’t too bad either! Bring on 2024!
You can find more information about the UK County Padel Championships here – https://www.ukpadel.org/uk-padel-county-championships/
Alicia Hazzard
