Teenagers face best in England
Scotland under-19 player James Dougan hailed the Central Scotland development squad’s trip to the Hull Silver International tournament as a massive learning curve.
The squad of James, Robbie Harper, Ross Waddell and Finn Martin were competing against the cream of English junior squash, with all four teenagers doing well.
James, ranked number two in Scotland, was edged out in an epic quarter-final in the under-19 tournament by the fifth seed, who lost in the final.
The teenager said: “Over the weekend we all had four really tough games, which meant we all had to dig deep. The great thing about going to the tournament is you are facing players you have never competed against so your game is exposed to new styles, different tactics and that forces you to think about and adapt your game accordingly.
“On a personal level my match with the number five was one of the hardest I have ever played and, although I was disappointed to have lost over five sets, the fact he made it all the way to the final does provide some compensation.”
Robbie Harper and Ross both won their final matches.
Robbie, who was competing in the under-17 tournament, said: “With three matches in one day and four over the weekend it was very tough going and it was really pleasing to sign off with a victory.
“But the Hull tournament has only served to whet my appetite for the new squash season starting in October ,when my target will be to break into the Bridge of Allan second team and stay there for the season.”
Robbie and Ross were drawn together in their second match in the under-17 tournament, which Robbie won.
Ross said: “It was funny to go all the way down to Hull for a tournament and then get drawn against Robbie.
“But it was just a great weekend of squash and I definitely feel like my game has sharpened up because of the tournament.”
Young Finn, who had one of the toughest matches of the weekend, said: “All four of us and our parents are very grateful to Bridge of Allan Sports Club for their sponsorship of the trip and hopefully we did Central Scotland squash proud.”