Teenagers win senior titles at Bridge of Allan
Bridge of Allan Sports Club’s senior squash championships provided a packed audience with a fantastic display as mature experience met exciting young talent in both the men’s and ladies finals.
Five times club champion and Masters player Sabine Mackenzie was up against Rowan Niven (17) in the ladies final and the match delivered everything that the sport demands of it.
Fitness, athleticism and tactical awareness were there in abundance as the two battled it out but it was Rowan who edged victory in four tight games to win her first BOASC ladies senior club title.
The Dunblane High School student said afterwards: “I have been playing squash since I was 12 years old and I wouldn’t be in this position without the help and support of our club coach Jane Martin. I have felt constantly supported throughout my time at the club and I am thoroughly enjoying every moment.”
Opponent Sabine, who was awarded Tournament Player of The Year at the recent Home Internationals event in Edinburgh, was gracious in defeat and praised Rowan, saying “Rowan is a great player and this match brought out the best in both of us. Covid has hit the sport so hard over the past two years, it is lovely to be on court again and I am really enjoying the whole experience.”
In the men’s final, former Scottish national U17 champion James Dougan (22) came up against the current Scottish junior U17 and U19 champion Kyle Penman (16).
Kyle took an early lead in the first game before James started to edge back in the second. James’s gymnastic movement around the court in the third game earned him the winners he needed and brought him back into the match, but it was Kyle who had the shots and accuracy in the fourth game to take the title 3-1.
James, who is studying Sports Studies at Stirling University, has returned to the sport following injury and back surgery and it was great to see him back on court and back to full fitness.
He said: “Although frustrating to lose, it is really nice to see Kyle develop into the talented young player that he has become. I’ve known him since he was a young boy at the club and he’s worked hard to get where he is now.”
Wallace High School pupil Kyle said: “I know the quality of game that James produces so it was important for me not to lose my focus and keep the quality of my shots high.”
Kyle has had a strong season this year winning two Gold junior events in England, a third place finish at the British Junior Championships, topping it off by adding two Scottish Junior caps to head up both U17 and U19 teams at the European Junior Team Squash Championships in Eindhoven, Netherlands in April and May.
He said: “It is great to be back on court playing well and being challenged at every opportunity. I have been sitting my Highers this year at school and squash has provided a great balance between studying and training.”
Additional presentations were also made to: Oliver Hunter (16) for Junior Player of the Year who has had a breakthrough season in club teams, finishing second in the U17 National Championships and earning a Scottish Junior cap; Rowan Niven (17) for Team Player of the Year and to Catriona Smith for Most Improved Squash Player.
Catriona had an amazing season, earning her first Scottish cap in the Over 35 Home Internationals in Galway, Ireland, and has improved the technical aspects of her game as well as her off court fitness. Her work ethic has been an inspiration to other players who now regularly train off court as well as on.
Other results from the finals night were: Men’s Over 60 winner - Jim Mcneil; Men’s Over 50 winner - Martin Jack; Men’s Over 40 winner - Roddy Campbell and Ladies Over 40 winner - Sabine Mackenzie.
Club President Stewart Penman said: “The finals night was a fantastic climax to the end of a Covid-hit season.
“It was great to see the club busy with everyone enjoying high quality squash matches. Having strong junior representation in both finals shows how well the club supports our juniors and provides a pathway that allows them to develop and compete with our seasoned senior members.”