Grampian Stars National Record - 2007

Grampian managed to secure a record number of trophies at this year’s Junior National Championships that were held at Heriot-Watt University on the 3^rd and 4^th of February. The region won 5 of the events with another 4 players securing Runners up trophies and incredibly another 7 players finishing in the top 4 of their respective age groups, making this undoubtedly the Regions best performance to date at the Nationals.

The Under 23 girls competition was won by 16 year old Lisa Aitken with Annie Lambe being the runner up. Alistair Gorrie the Scottish Squash (“Coach of the Year”) was runner up in the U23 gents event, having edged out Graham Melvin 10/9 in the 5^th, to place the ex ASRC man in 3^rd position, in this round robin competition.

Lyall Paterson won his 5^th National title in the boys U19 event, with a flawless display against Orkney’s Adam Bews. The ex Stonehaven lad has found a new home in Edinburgh since the club closed in April.

In the girls U17’s Robyn Hodgson was a further winner, with Hannah Anthony as runner up, despite literally moving up to the age group only last month. Sam Allan was 3^rd and Nigel Anthony 4^th in the Boys event at this age group.

Mhairi Charlton was in excellent form throughout as she stormed through to take the girls U15 title, with team-mates Lyndsay Ackers and Lauren Hodgson taking 3^rd and 4^th positions respectively. Rosie Allan was the winner of the Girls U13 competition with Andrew Forbes being edged into 4^th position in the boys event.

Garioch’s Callum Morrison was runner up in the boys U11’s and Madeleine Reader 3^rd in the girls U11 competitions respectively. Most of the other Grampian players performed exceptionally well to finish above their ranking positions.

Grampian’s Director of Coaching, Gerry Towler heaped praise on the group of coaches who have been working hard behind the scenes at both Club and Regional level. It is no surprise that most of the players mentioned are also part of the National coaching system, whether they be in the Academy or the National Talent Squads. Gerry believes that this integrated approach to coaching is working very well for Grampian.

RDO Jackie Riches along with the Junior convenor John Leiper hope to introduce the practices to three new junior clubs within the Region this season. It is also envisaged that a group of new coaches will be recruited to assist with some excellent new initiatives at Grampian. Already some very exciting progress is being made at Peter Nicol Center, Garioch and Macduff where the Junior sections have seen an influx of new blood. This is hoped to be extended to Sheddocksley, Kincorth and the students at the Butchart centre. It is envisaged that the current League system will be replaced next season with a new structured competition that will be more attractive to players just starting in the sport, with the Grampian Open leagues servicing the talented youngsters, who currently compete in the Junior Leagues.