Watson’s quartet prevail in delayed final
In a tussle between old rivals, the George Watson’s College team was just too strong for Mary Erskine and easily claimed the girls’ Scottish Schools Cup.
With the first attempt at the final having been washed out at St George’s, the event was staged indoors at Craiglockhart, and Alexandra Hunter, Sofia Antipatis and sisters Molly and Maisie Wood claimed the trophy.
He at herc roll took her singles point against Alexandra Hunter – the Watson’s girl retiring when she led 6-2, 2-1 due to severe blisters.
But Alexandra will be hoping there will be no problems when she heads to the Bahamas next month to represent Scotland in the Commonwealth Youth Games.
Before then, she has a couple of weeks competing in Greece.
“The Commonwealth Youth Games will be my biggest event to date,” said the fifthyear pupil. “I will be playing in the singles and also in the mixed doubles with Hamish Stewart (High School of Glasgow).”
For the Wood sisters, it was a continuation of family tennis tradition. Their grandfather, James Wood, is a legendary figure in north easttennis circles and their dad, also James, has captained Scotland.
Milly is a talented all-rounder – she helped Watson’s win the Under-18 Scottish Hockey Cup and is also a member of the National Under-18 hockey squad.
For Sofia, it was a perfect way to end her first year at Watson’s. The fifth-year pupil’s family moved home to Scotland from Singapore a year ago.
Sofia honed her tennis skills overseas, but is delighted to have had more opportunities to take part in competitions in Scotland.
The daunting news for next year’s rivals is that Sofia, Alexandra, Molly and Maisie will all still be around to defend the title.
The last time George Watson’s won the girls’ cup was in 1997.