Dougan bounces back to his winning ways to help get Bridge of Allan victory
Bridge of Allan second skipper Robin Bairner has hailed the return to action of James Dougan as a massive boost in his side’s bid to get their first division promotion bid back on track.
The former Scotland under-17 international has been out for 18 months following back surgery but bounced back to winning ways with an impressive victory for Bairner’s side last week.
Now with the Birds and The Bees sponsored seconds heading to the capital to face Watsonians 3 on the back of another tight 3-2 loss that has seen them slip into the bottom half of the table, Bairner admits that the Bridge of Allan squash starlet’s return to the fray is a ray of light in the winter gloom.
Robin said:“James had been out for 18 months after back surgery and although he is still finding his feet back on the court, to have a player of his class back with us is a tremendous boost.
“I have no doubt that particularly after the festive break James will help spearhead our climb back up the division two table. But it’s just great to see him fit and healthy and playing his squash with a smile on his face and enjoying that winning feeling again.
“You can see James’touch coming back, and it’s just a question of him getting his confidence back in terms of his movement but everyone at the club is delighted he is back fit, healthy and playing again.”
Meanwhile, the Bridge of Allan Ladies team continue to set the pace in the East of Scotland division one after a 5-0 thrashing of Waverley stretched their lead to 38 points.
With Edinburgh University 2 the visitors at Minewood this week cocaptain Karen Robertson is determined there will be no slip ups on home boards.
She said:“Particularly with Sabine Mackenzie unavailable it was a really strong performance. With Lucy Murchie exceptional at the top of the order in posting a fine 3-0 victory.
“But again, when we have needed to demonstrate strength in depth, we have been able to do so and to stretch the lead to 38 points with only 36 available before the festive break is very pleasing.
“We are at full strength again this week and everyone is really determined and focussed that there will be no drop off.”
Meanwhile the men’s first team host Dalgety Bay with skipper Iain Logan desperate to secure a home win that will push his side back into the battle for a top three place.
At Minewood tonight (Wednesday) the thirds, sponsored by The Birds and The Bees, will host fourth place Watsonians determined to consolidate their status in the third and final promotion place.
The fourth team will host Crieff 2 in the Crieff & District Leagues at Minewood tomorrow (Thursday) night after a fine 4-2 victory at Stirling Sports Club which ended a two game losing streak.