The Heriot Watt junior Open was held this weekend through in Edinburgh. This was the first time this event has appeared on the European Squash Federations junior circuit and attracted participants from the USA, Italy, Russia, Luxemburg and naturally England, Ireland and Wales. Although the tournament was open to players from throughout the world, it was a fairly low turnout, but despite this Grampian had 10 participants who produced some fine results.

From the Academy’s perspective, which will be of particular interest to yourself Craig, the results were excellent. Lyall Paterson and Lisa Aitken won the U19’s boys and girls events respectively, Lyndsay Ackers was runner up in the girls U15 event and Rosie Allan put in a superb effort achieving 3^rd in the same age group, having just moved up from the U13’s this month. Rosie was edged out in the semi 9/7 in the 5^th by the eventual winner from the USA. Brother Sam was also 3^rd going down in his semi – 3/1 to the eventual winner. Sam’s response was to defeat his English opponent 27/1 in the 3^rd – 4^th play off. (Mhairi Charlton missed the tournament as away on holiday)

Other excellent finishes were achieved by the boys who entered the U15 event with Chris Shinnie looking much improved in 5^th, Chris Leiper 7^th, Mark Everard 8^th, Robbie Paterson 12^th and Andrew Forbes 14^th.

I was delighted with the efforts and in particular the behavior of all of the Grampian players. They were a credit to the region.

Report by Gerry Towler. (July 2007)