The Winner Takes it All

This is what 12 Under 16 year olds look like when they win a battle.

Thursday's first match at the UK School Games was an amazing Two-Nil Win over England North! The holders of their JNL Title. Things were looking Good.

Friday's action saw them win 2 games, against Wales, and Northern Ireland.

And then Saturday.

Saturday started with a match against their friendly Rivals, Scotland East. It was a hard fought match, with West taking the first set, and East Taking the Second. It was down to Match point for Scotland 3 times, before they sealed the game. This photo was taken as they celebrated. What joy!

Sadly, it didn't stay like this. West faced their two hardest opponents next, Undefeated England South, and England Central, who were in the same position as West in the tables.

Heartbreakingly, the girls lost both matches, but not easily. They fought with every breath, every leap, every serve, every block. Parents were screaming their hearts out. Drums were being beaten, Vuvuselas were being blasted. For every point Scotland won back the parents were on their feet screaming with delight.

It wasn't so much the loss that breaks our heart. However much we wanted to see our girls in the final, it's the fact that they left the court in tears, so sadly disappointed that they didn't fulfil their early potential. There is nothing we can tell them as parents that will make the loss any better for them. But what it does teach them, is to brush themselves off, sit theirselves down and start all over again, and this time. FINISH THEM OFF!

We don't mind where you finished. You were ALL STARS in our Eyes, and we were all bursting with pride at the efforts your expended.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOO WESSTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT