Scottish Cup win for Braid tennis women – at last!
Runners-up in each of the past two years, Braid tennis ladies made it third time lucky by defeating favourites and perennial winners Newlands to lift the Scottish tennis cup in a thrilling final at Whitecraigs, Glasgow.
The capital club edged through 5-4 after the teams had gone into the last of three three rounds tied at 3-3.
Player/coach Mhairi Beattie said: 'Key was undoubtedly the fact that we won each of the head-to-head championship tie-breaks, ie couples 1-1, 2-2, 3-3.
'It was our same team as last year but this time we tried to mix things up a bit by pairing youth with experience, strong hitters with good volleyers, etc, etc– that sort of thing.
'It was a good tactical victory for us underdogs!'
Braid are now hoping to complete a double on Tuesday evening when they visit Thistle for a top of the table clash which could see them retain the VMH Solicitors East League title.
Captain Suzie Provan says they will not be losing focus despite denying Newlands a sixth successive Scottish Cup.
'There is still work to do this season but winning the Cup in its 101st year and for the first time in our club's history was amazing but very, very nerve-wracking.
'In the decisive match Sarah McFaden and Emily Gates had to come back from a set and 1-3 before winning the Championship tie break 10-7.
'We were interrupted by rain for an hour and there was always a threat it would come down again; fortunately the artificial clay courts, though puddled at times, drained quickly.
'We actually put a lot of thought into our pairings even experimenting in some league matches because some staleness can creep in. Fortunately these tactics worked out.
'It was a long and exhausting day and by the time our celebration meal back in Edinburgh was due to start we were just leaving Whitecraigs. Thankfully the restaurant were very understanding and accommodated us later!
On the way to the final Braid defeated Montrose, Thistle and Western (Glasgow).
The match pairings were Sarah McFadyen and Emily Gates, Mhairi Beattie and Eva Vrhunec, Suzie Provan and Heather Croll. Reserve Sophia Okusawa played in the round of 16 and the semi-final.
The men's Scottish Cup remained in Glasgow with 1 5-1 victory for Thorn Park against Newlands.
Show us your medals! left to right – Sophia, Eva, Heather, Suzie, Mhairi, Emily and Sarah.
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