Scottish Masters (Nottingham, England) - Season 2006-2007 - 11,12&13/05/07

Contents:- Before -|-After-

Oor James is thirsty...

Following the delight of being selected to play for his country in the Over 45 Home Internationals, hosted in Nottingham, England - it was full steam ahead for 'Oor James' and his wife, Alison on their long journey of over 1000 miles.

After acclimatising to the surroundings, the Saltire thrusting Scottish side blew away any unwanted nerves and rustiness to overcome the Welsh side, 4 sets to 1 with James winning his game 3-1.

England were the favourites for the title and Scotland couldn't match their quality. Chris Holt was closest to a victory by just losing out 3-2 in a gutsy performance, after being 2-0 down.

The final game against Ireland would've given the Scottish team a respectable runners-up prize. They did this in style with excellent performances throughout, going onto win 5-0 and James triumphant, 3-0 in his game.

As in any sport there is also the social side to an event and one competitor was ready for the action.....

Davie Taylor, Forres has 'sort of' become an adopted Caithnessian 'Teuchter' (initiation still to come) and is due a bit of ribbing for any uneventful mistake, story, anything, etc - as happens to anyone in Thurso Squash Club. Well, he is certainly sharp on the court but attending the dinner/dance it became apparent his razor was a touch on the severe side, aswell - as his coupon was emblazoned with a gap that a 15 year old shaving for the first time would be proud of and, wider than the points difference between Celtic and Rangers, in the league this season.

Was this due to his tiredness after a couple of days of hard squash or those fateful, Irish apples (Magners)...??? You decide.....

Congratulations to everyone taking part and next time, hopefully, the Scottish side will be travelling home with the gold medal.

Photos

Over 45's Scottish team

Over 50's Scottish team

???

pictures by Alison Henderson

Before

Thurso Champion, James Henderson, has given a boost to squash in the north by being selected for the Scottish Masters team. James will take part in the 3 day home internationals in Nottingham beginning on 11th May, with teams from Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales taking part.

His inclusion in the team arose from a debut appearance in the Over 45 Scottish Masters event in Aberdeen, at the beginning of March - where, after easily disposing of Scotland's Number 4 and 5 seeds in the early rounds and, just losing out to the Number 1 seed in the semi-final, he was recognised as a player that could not be left out of the squad.

James's Squash pedigree is impressive: eleven times county champion and fourteen times Thurso champion. He is also a stalwart of Thurso Squash Club committee, putting in as much effort off the court as he does on it.

This will complete a remarkable double as James has already represented his country at Masters level in Badminton.

His recognition at International level will surely inspire others to succeed at all age levels.

James preparing for his Scottish cap.

End-of-Document