Trip to Holland- James Andell, Brigit Folland and Seb Rey

We arrived in Amsterdam on the Friday morning after a short but early flight from Bristol airport, and then got a train to Almere where the tournament was taking place. After arriving at Almere we walked to the club from the train station and practiced on the fast acrylic courts. We then checked into our hotel which had an indoor pool and gym that we would make use of over the week.

Seb had to play quailes on the Saturday and won both his matches against two Dutch players. The first match Seb came through 7-5, 6-0 playing some good solid and aggressive tennis which is opponent couldn?t keep up with. The next Dutch opponent got the same treatment and he didn't fancy competing against a relentless Stinga (Seb) who ran out a comfy winner. Next for him was the final round of qualies the next day where he would be playing a German boy. Seb again played well and qualified winning 6-4, 6-4 and earnt himself a place in the main draw. Brigit signed in for Main and we went back to the hotel for a casual swim in the pool.

Main draw came and Bridge was up against a French girl and Seb was playing a Dutch boy. Bridge played well and aggressive but unfortunately lost 6-4, 7-6 in a very tight match. The tie break was 15-13 to the French opponent with match points being saved by Bridge and set points saved by the French girl. Seb was on next and he came through 7-6, 3-6, 6-3 in a very tight match. Again Seb stuck to his guns, never took a backward step and his overall level of performance meant he was a worthy winner.

Dinner meant either eating at the hotel or at a Chinese across the road and it mainly consisted of the coin game where Stinga and Brigit ruled the show with some excellent guessing. Wednesday came and Seb was on playing his second round match against a German boy. It was not to be for Stinga as he went down 6-2, 6-2. Stinga was outplayed on the day by a better but had had a successful tournament getting 5 good matches under his belt. Next up for Bridge and Seb was doubles. Bridge partnered up with Georgia Craven, a fellow Brit and Stinga partnered Robbie Ridout also a Brit.

Georgia and Bridge played some great doubles but unfortunately they lost to a good pair. Seb and Robbie played well in their `1st round and won in straight, however it was the end of the road for them as they went out in the quarters in straight. So the tournament had finished for us and we were flying back to Bristol the next evening. It had been a good trip and many thanks to James for taking us and all the support he gave.

Brigit Folland and Seb Rey