It’s Scottish success for Kinnoull
Perth team’s sweep of victories in Aegon Division One
Kinnoull Tennis Club penned their name in the history books at the weekend on what proved to be a moment to remember in Edinburgh.
The Perth-based team completed a clean sweep of victories to sit top of the Aegon Team Tennis Scotland Men’s Division One.
Sunday’s comfortable victory against St Serfs followed triumphs over Strathgryffe, Stirling University 1, Western and Braid.
While other matches in the group are still to be played, Kinnoull have amassed a points total which can’t be caught.
Winning the top division in Scotland brings with it a strong sense of pride for team captain Ryan Martin.
“It is a fantastic achievement from this group of players to top the group in such a high-profile event,” the 20-year-old explained to the Perthshire Advertiser.
“I don’t think we would have been expected to finish top but we have shown a great level of consistency to get the job done.
“We managed to scrape a win on week one against Strathgryffe and since then our performances have stepped up a level.
“Every week we gained more momentum and it was fitting to finish it off with a 6-0 victory against St Serfs on Sunday afternoon.”
When the official overall result is confirmed, Kinnoull will advance to represent Scotland in a national finals qualifying play-off in June next year.
Martin added: “There is quite a break now until the next round against English opposition but I’m sure we’ll be keeping busy on the court.
“While some of the team are
currently at university or working away, we always find time to get everyone back to meet up in Perth for practise.
“The team will again be participating in the Scottish Cup this year before we look to defend our Tayside League title, which starts up in Easter time.
“The courts at the club have recently been upgraded and the committee are always working hard to make improvements.
“It’s great that we have been able to put Kinnoull’s name into the spotlight and hopefully that success can continue in the future.”
For one member of the team, Will
Lyburn, the national league journey to date has resulted in a formidable, unbeaten record.
The former Strathallan student chalked down eight wins from his eight matches across the past couple of months.
Each player in the four man team competes in one singles and one doubles match.
“For the team to achieve something like this on a national level is unbelievable,” Lyburn said.
“We have played our tennis at Kinnoull from such a young age and it’s great that we have all stayed as such a tight-knit group.”