Squash Border Reivers
IN a thrilling showdown marking the culmination of the East of Scotland League season, the Border Reivers squash team emerged triumphant, securing their status as champions in a resounding victory over Waverley 3s. The stakes were high as the Border Reivers needed just seven points to clinch the coveted title, and they delivered with an emphatic 17-5 win.
The atmosphere was electric as the players took to the courts, with spectators on the edge of their seats throughout the intense match-ups. The first rubber saw Double Club Champion Iain Laing of Selkirk go head-to-head with Rod Robinson of Waverley
3s in a nail-biting encounter. Laing showcased his skill and determination, battling through a series of tight sets. Despite a valiant effort, he ultimately succumbed to Robinson in a closely contested decider.
Meanwhile, Richard Hebb, of Peebles, showcased his prowess on the adjacent court, delivering a commanding 3-0 victory against Waverley stalwart Gordon Scott. Hebb’s precision and finesse were on full display as he dominated the match from start to finish.
The tension continued to mount as Sam Collin, also representing Peebles, squared off against Waverley 3s’ French prodigy Florent Chevreuil. Collin faced early setbacks but rallied back with a remarkable display of skill and agility, ultimately securing a hardfought 3-2 victory.
The Border Reivers’ path to victory was solidified by outstanding performances from Jordan Reid, of Coldstream, and Hawick’s Tony Elliot, who each secured convincing 3-0 wins against their respective opponents. Club captain Del Sharratt lauded the dedication and enthusiasm of the team, emphasising the crucial role of camaraderie and team spirit in their success.
Reflecting on the season, Sharratt expressed pride in the team’s unexpected achievement of clinching the East of Scotland League 3 title. Looking ahead to the challenges of competing in East League 2 next season, he acknowledged the formidable competition that lies ahead but remained confident in the
Border Reivers’ ability to rise to the occasion.
As the celebrations ensue and the Border Reivers bask in the glory of their hard-earned victory, they set their sights on new heights, fuelled by the memories of their historic triumph in the East of Scotland League 3.
Border Reivers 2s
IN their final match of the season, Border Reivers 2s faced a formidable challenge as they travelled to Stockbridge in Edinburgh to take on Grange 4s. Despite putting up a valiant effort, the Border Reivers 2s were unable to overcome their opponents, falling short in a hard-fought battle that ended with Grange 4s emerging victorious with a commanding 18-3 scoreline. Top seed Alan Jobes and Jimmy Munro were the lone point-scorers for the Border Reivers 2s in a tough outing.
The match unfolded with intense rallies and competitive match-ups, showcasing the skill and determination of both teams. However, it was Grange 4s who seized the momentum early on, with Jamie Urquhart edging out a closely contested victory against Alan Jobes in a thrilling five-set encounter. Despite Jobes’ resilient performance, Urquhart ultimately secured the crucial point for Grange 4s, setting the tone for the remainder of the match.
The Border Reivers 2s faced further setbacks as Stephen Davey, Rory Gilbride, Chris Coombs, and Bettina Buchman of Grange 4s delivered impressive performances to secure decisive victories in their respective matches. Despite their best efforts, Richard Taylor, Del Sharratt, and Darren Quinn of the Border Reivers 2s were unable to find a breakthrough against their determined opponents.
Reflecting on their performance in the East League 4, captain Del Sharratt expressed pride in the team’s achievements, particularly considering it was their debut season. Despite facing challenges in fielding a full team for some matches, the Border Reivers 2s managed to secure a credible 7th place out of 10 teams in the league standings. Sharratt highlighted the growing enthusiasm among players towards the end of the season, expressing optimism for the future as the squad continues to expand.
Looking ahead to the next season, Sharratt emphasized the importance of building on their experiences and aiming for a top-half finish. With a larger pool of players and newfound momentum, the Border Reivers 2s are poised to make further strides in their quest for success in the competitive world of squash.