The Warwickshire Junior 1st Team took part in the County Championships Junior Premier Division on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December 2025 at Wood Green TTC, Wednesbury, and WON the title!
The team members were Nathaniel Saunders, Starry Sheung, Rex Wong, Agnes Liu, Monica Chang, and Charlotte Wong.
Sussex: won 8-2
A great start to the weekend with an 8-2 win against Sussex. Two wins each for Nathaniel, Rex, and Monica. Starry was unlucky to lose 7-11 in the 5th set to Ryan Goodier, whilst Agnes lost to Paralympic Bronze medallist Bly Twomey. Monica beat Twomey in 4 sets. Nathaniel battled to beat Harry Yip 11-7 in the 5th set.
Derbyshire: drew 5-5
A close match against Derbyshire followed, with Warwickshire losing three matches in the 5th set. Agnes lost to Millie Noble 7-11 in the 5th set, and then to Naomi Coker (who finished the weekend on 100%), 10-12 in the 5th set. Rex Wong lost to Joseph Cooper in 5, but beat Winston Hill 3-0. Starry beat Hill 3-2, and then Billy Shi 3-1. Nathaniel once again secured two wins against Shi and Cooper.
Lancashire: lost 4-6
Two wins from Nathaniel against Elliott Chan 3-0, and Charlie Williams 3-1, along with single wins from Rex and Starry against Fraser Massey kept the pressure on Lancashire, but it was not enough to secure any points. Agnes was again very unlucky losing 7-11 in the 5th set to Beth Ellis, and 9-11 in the decider to Brooke Morris. Monica also lost to Brooke in the 5th set. This result meant at the end of day 1, Warwickshire sat in 3rd place, with all to play for on day 2.
Nottingham: won 8-2
An excellent start on day 2, with an 8-2 win against Nottingham. Nathaniel, Rex and Starry won two matches each, well supported with single wins for Monica, and Charlotte, who is still only 12 years old, and experiencing the Junior Premier Division for the first time. Charlotte was unlucky losing to Zarita Lo 9-11 in the 5th set. Nathaniel had a tricky match against fellow club mate Fred Jones winning 11-7 in the decider.
Essex: won 6-4
The boys continued with their day 2, 100% record winning all 6 matches against Essex, although the Warwickshire trio did not have it their own way. Rex beat Aarav Parihar 11-7 in the 5th set, whilst Starry had to battle against Harrison Hill to secure his win. Monica was at the losing end of another 5 setter, this time against Evie Knappen. Essex number 1 Maliha Baig was too strong for both Charlotte and Monica. Nathaniel won both his matches 3-0, demonstrating his experience in the top flight of the County Championships.
Buckinghamshire: won 6-4
Another close encounter against Buckinghamshire, who were newly promoted to the Premier Division. Nathaniel and Starry won both their matches in 3 sets, Rex had a 5-set battle against William Saint, but followed this up with a 3-0 win against Edward Overy. Monica and Charlotte lost out in 5 to Anna Piercey, with Rachael Isles also being too strong for the Warwickshire girls.
Middlesex: won 7-3
Due to varying factors and results between teams, Warwickshire went into the final match, knowing that a draw against Middlesex would be enough to secure the Premier Division title. However, this was never going to be easy feat against a strong and determined opposition and with all the pressure on Warwickshire. Nathaniel had a tough opening match against the ever improving and awkward Marcel Ndongala losing 1-3, but he bounced back with a 3-1 win over Ben Levi. Rex beat Levi and Max Gonpot 3-0. Starry played excellently to beat Gonpot and Ndongala 3-0, to continue his 100% record on day 2. Huge credit to Charlotte Wong who beat Parmis Ahsani 3-2, having being 1-2 down. This was a very crucial win when the match score was 1-1. Monica then followed up with a win against Ahsani 3-1. Luna Archard beat both Warwickshire girls, but a 7-3 win was more than enough to win the title.
This was the first time Warwickshire have won the Junior Premier Division in the events history. Congratulations to all the players for their efforts throughout the weekend on and off the table in every match, supporting one another and giving their best. Thank you to the parents for their continued support, and to Kate, Ian, and Hanne for coaching throughout the weekend.
The individual player averages were:
- Nathaniel Saunders: 13/14
- Starry Sheung: 12/14
- Rex Wong: 12/14
- Agnes Liu: 1/6
- Monica Chang: 4/14
- Charlotte Wong 2/8