Strong showing for Scots at European Team Championships as women finish fourth
Scotland’s women secured a strong fourth placed finish, whilst a new generation showed great promise in the men’s event at the European Team Championships in Amsterdam.
Women storm through the pool stage
The women were looking strong going into the event, as they welcomed Lisa Aitken back into the fold following a long break with injury.
An injury to Alison Thomson at the eleventh-hour was not part of the plan, but it gave Robyn McAlpine the opportunity to step up – ably – as number three.
The Scots’ campaign got underway against Ukraine, with Georgia Adderley getting the win, Lisa hitting the ground running and Robyn showing no sign of nerves with a 3-0 victory.
Next up were Spain, with Georgia and Robyn winning competitive contests 3-1 and 3-2 respectively to ensure progression as the top side in the group.
Scotland dominate against the hosts
The reward for topping the group was a match-up with hosts the Netherlands.
The duo of Georgia and Robyn were once again in top-form, and made light work of their opposition with two 3-0 wins.
With a total match time of just 47 minutes, there was time to rest up for a tougher test ahead in the semi-finals.
Semi-final defeat sets up Belgian battle
Defeat in the semi-final against England set up a Saturday rematch of last year’s bronze medal match, as Belgium lay in wait.
Nele and Tinne Gilis showed their pedigree as squash siblings with wins over Georgia and Lisa to secure the bronze.
The bronze medal match proved one step too far for the second consecutive year, but the Scots will have been delighted to compete at that level and finish in the top four once again.
Men pull through the group on games won
It was new beginning for Scotland’s men, with Greg Lobban no longer available to represent Scotland, and Rory stewart stepping up to lead a new-look side.
First of two Central European opponents were Poland, with wins from John Meehan and Rory Stewart taking maximum points and Alasdair Prott and Andrew Glen missing out in narrow defeat.
Andrew’s match featured an example of interference for the ages, but he did well to shake it off and keep battling.
Germany were up next, with John Meehan taking a game off the now veteran, former world number three Simon Rosner.
Rory got the crucial win against Raphael Kandra – a remarkable win against an opponent ranked close to thirty places higher in the world, and enough to ensure the Scots progressed.
Knockouts provide good experience for young Scots
The second placed finish in the pool meant a tough match against one of the toughest opponents – eventual runners-up Switzerland, followed by Celtic cousins Wales.
Both sides proved too strong for the Scots, with Alasdair Prott and Rory Stewart taking games against the Welsh in a losing effort.
John Meehan secured a win in the final match against Spain, but four defeats meant an eight-placed finish for the Scots.
The coach’s view
Scottish Squash Head of Performance and Pathway Paul Bell said: “Overall it was a great event for us, with the women getting to the semi-final again and some big wins along the way – especially against Spain.
“It was really disappointing that Alison got injured right before the event, but Robyn stepped up and won some crucial matches – it was great to see the way she stepped up both on and off court.
“It was obviously brilliant to have Lisa back too, and while it was a shame that they missed out on the bronze medal, the whole event was really positive for the women.
“For the men, Rory really stepped up with a crucial win against Germany to get through to the quarters.
“The key thing for that team is developing for the future, so it was great that they all seized the opportunity and showed a great attitude throughout.
“I’m sure they’ve all learned a lot, and they will take that back to their training and getting ready to compete for Scotland in the future.”
