Ross’ return is big boost for thirds
Youngster on form as BofA chases title glory
PAUL MCSTAY NO 1 ST NINIANS Bridge of Allan thirds will face the acid test of their East of Scotland Squash title bid when they face ESC in Edinburgh on Friday night.
The Allanwater Brewhouse sponsored side went nine points clear at the top of Division Four after thrashing leaders Watsonians 5-0 at Minewood last week.
Third placed ESC could topple the BofA men if they make home board advantage count but skipper Stewart Penman believes a full strength side can maintain his boys’ status as top dogs.
He said: “We are at full strength for Friday night and have been greatly boosted by the return of Ross Waddell to full fitness. His return to the fray has been like gaining a new player.
“We will travel to the capital confident we can take care of business after victory over Watsonians which featured impressive wins for Jamie Campbell, Bruno Marshall, Kyle Penman and Bert Mitchell.
“This is the defining night of our season and everyone must be at his best.”
Meanwhile the ladies team continued their East of Scotland Division One championship charge with a 5-0 thrashing of Waverley that has taken them 10 points clear of second placed Edinburgh University and with fourth-placed Grange visiting, captain Sheena Logan knows there can be no slip ups from her girls.
“It was another fantastic performances with probably the performance of the night coming from Debbie Gillespie in the anchor role at No 5,” said Sheena.
She added: “After finishing sixth at the Scottish Nationals Lucy Murchie also put in a big performance at the top of the order and every one of the girls played their part.”
However there was bad news for the men’s second team who had their relegation to Division Two confirmed by a 5-0 defeat at ESC 1.
Captain Robin Bairner is determined to finish a difficult season going down fighting. “We knew it would be a tall order to stay up and ultimately we have come up just short. But the boys can take great credit from the way they have stuck at it.”
The seconds skipper added: “We have two matches left to play starting with ESC 2 at Minewood tonight and the target is to go out with all guns blazing.”
Elsewhere the first team travel to Grange in the first of a double header that includes a rearranged fixture which was cancelled in the first-half of the campaign due to a flu outbreak at the capital club.
Skipper Iain Logan said: “These two games will decide where we finish so it is all very much to play for.”