2 days ago
Airdrie tennis club aim to serve up Calcutta Cup success and emulate Springwells heroes
The club last won the competition back in 1977
An Airdrie tennis club are out to emulate one of the best teams in their history this weekend when they compete in the Calcutta Cup final.
Springwells Tennis Club sprung a huge shock earlier this month when they defeated Queen's Park to reach the Calcutta Cup final for the first time since they last won the competition, way back in 1977.
That team – which comprised Tom Russell, Billy Gardiner, David Morton, Willie Scobbie, David Woodhouse and Stuart Ross – is considered one of, if not the, best teams the club has ever produced and this Sunday off ers Springwells' class of 2025 the chance to follow in their footsteps.
David Woodhouse's son Graeme is part of the current team going for glory.
Tournament underdogs Springwells have defied all expectations to reach the final after a stunning 4-1 victory over Queens Park.
The Airdrie-based team, playing two divisions below their semi-final opponents in the West of Scotland Tennis League, produced a fearless and unified performance on home courts to continue a remarkable cup run that has already seen them topple some of the region's most powerful clubs.
On the road to the final, Springwells have eliminated Langside and Queen's Park – both from two divisions above – and most impressively, Rutherglen, the reigning Calcutta Cup champions.
Now, the team are one match away from completing a modern-day tennis fairytale.
In last Sunday's Semi-Final, Luke Paul got Springwells off to the perfect start with a dominant 6-2, 6-4 win in the first singles match. Derek Munro followed with a hard-fought three-set thriller, winning 6-0, 4-6 and 10-5 in a championship tie-break.
Although Jamie Leslie was narrowly beaten 6-1, 7-5 — battling back from 5-1 down in the second set — the team carried a 2-1 lead into the doubles matches.
From there, the underdogs took full control. Derek Munro and Jamie Leslie edged a tense 6-4, 6-3 doubles victory to put Springwells into the final. Graeme Woodhouse and Luke Paul, who came back from a set down to win 2-6, 6-4, 10-5 to put the overall match score 4-1 and complete a famous victory over the Queens Park club.
'This team just doesn't know when to quit,' said team member Jamie Boyle.
'We've been underdogs in every round, but we've grown stronger each time. To beat Queens Park, just like we did Langside and Rutherglen — that takes something special.'
Springwells will now face Glasgow CTC in the final at Scotstoun Sports Centre. Derek Munro added: 'A special mention goes to team members Jamie Boyle and Neil Aitken who have played a major role in this impressive run to the final, with crucial involvement in each of the previous rounds. Here's hoping the Calcutta Cup is coming home to Airdrie again this weekend.'
