The Welsh U15 and U17 teams travelled to Prague for the final international team event of the season, competing at the European Team Championships.
Both teams entered the event with unfavourable seedings — the U15s seeded 12th and the U17s seeded 17th — but both squads delivered outstanding performances and fully justified their place on the European stage.
The U15 team of Salah Farrag, Jacob Green, Leon Lauder, Eliza Hales and Grace Breach excelled throughout the week, qualifying for the quarter-finals after excellent wins against hosts Czech Republic and the Netherlands. A standout moment came from Salah Farrag, who produced a superb performance to beat the European No.1 from the Czech team. Eliza Hales also had an excellent event, winning five of her seven matches.
The team finished strongly, beating Spain on the final day to secure 7th place, an outstanding achievement after beating four higher-ranked teams and making a mockery of their seeding.
The U17 team of Hugh Padayachy, Gethin Poole, Thomas Fenlon, Erin Lauder, Madalena Sidoli and Zoe Powell also performed superbly. Their attitude, fight and team spirit were a credit to Wales. One of the matches of the tournament came from Hugh Padayachy, who beat the Greek No.1 17–15 in the fifth game, saving five match balls in a dramatic encounter roared on by a passionate Welsh crowd.
A special mention also goes to Erin Lauder, who won five of her seven matches, showing real class and huge potential for the future.
The U17 team finished 12th, again defying their seeding. Every match they played was against higher-ranked opposition, and across the event they only lost two fixtures outright, with the remaining matches either drawn or won on countback.
A huge thank you to the parents who travelled and supported the players throughout the week, creating a fantastic atmosphere around both teams.
A special thank you also to Sally Davis for her tireless work ethic and for helping create, in my opinion, one of the best team environments at the event. The players and Wales are lucky to have you.
Both teams represented Wales with pride, passion and commitment.
Well done to everyone involved — you did your country proud.
Regards,
Greg
