GIFFNOCK 3 – ENGLAND 0

Giffnock Juniors travelled south last month to play four English Clubs. Ilkley, Pontefract, Chapel Allerton and Carlisle. However, a change in tournament venue meant that we could not play Pontefract, so we participated in the West Yorkshire Junior Open tournament. On Friday night we arrived at Ilkley for our first match. Ilkley’s facilities were superb with 24 tennis courts (12 grass !) and 8 squash courts so we were suitably impressed. Coach Robbie Burnett made us very welcome and had organised the matches. Fortunately, the performances of the Giffnock lads ended with the scoreline of Giffnock 15 – Ilkley 3

Giffnock 1 – England 0

Although not playing the Pontefract team, on Saturday and Sunday morning we travelled there to take part in the ‘West Yorkshire Open’. The standard of all the age groups was fairly tough and all the boys were well and truly tested. However, Struan Walker was undefeated at U11 level, Chris Murphy was RU at U13 level – losing 3-0 to Willstrop’s prodigy Sam Todd and Patrick O’Sullivan was RU at U15 level – losing 3-2 to Elliot Ridge after being 2-1 up ! Harry Anderson performed well against Richard Hollins in his first match eventually losing 3-2 and lost another 3-2 epic to one of Willstrop’s boys, Calum Stout also had an impressive tournament. On Sunday afternoon, straight after the ‘Open’, we travelled to Chapel Allerton. Another round of matches against the juniors of this Leeds club was expected to be challenging. Again, impressive individual performances by the boys secured the result with Jonathan Brady winning 11-0,11-0,11-1 and Daniel O’Sullivan having easy matches against their opponents. Total score this time was Giffnock 16 – Chapel Allerton 2.

Giffnock 2 – England 0

After a well deserved rest on Monday morning, we arrived at Carlisle Squash Club for our last match. Coaches Bell (senior) and Bell (junior) were well organised and prepared for our last encounter. There were some close fought games involved in this contest. Matthew Stout winning 3-2 and Mark Coyle winning 3-2 in their respective matches. The total score was…Giffnock 13 – Carlisle 3.

Giffnock 3 – England 0

The hospitality of Steak Pie or Lasagne with Chips washed down with Coke, although not exactly healthy, was really appreciated as we had to travel back to Glasgow immediately after the match. Overall this was a successful 4 day tour. However, considering the general reputation and results of English juniors recently, we expected the standard and performance of the English clubs to be more challenging in all the competing age groups. Watch out for the Giffnock ‘tour’ boys next season, most will be playing in the ‘West’ senior leagues, gaining more match experience and probably improving their win ratios !!

Matthew Stout / Calum Stout / Patrick O’Sullivan / Harry Anderson / Mark Coyle / Jonathan Brady / Chris Murphy / Daniel O’Sullivan / Struan Walker.

Report by Billy Stevely.