Junior League Roundup
The Junior League reached its climax at the weekend and over the four sessions produced plenty of exciting play. Division One developed a familiar scenario with Drumchapel and Holyrood fighting it out for top spot. As in the previous two years Drumchapel ran out worthy winners without dropping a game although both Holyrood teams did extend some of the matches to five ends. Congratulations to Drumchapel A - Graeme Donnelly and Bazel Razouk - at securing the title, maintaining their form and sharing the top player award. So it’s more of the same for the ‘Drum’ and back to the drawing board for Holyrood but they should take some credit at securing second and third place in the top division.
North Ayrshire C’s success in Division Two was almost as impressive as Drumchapel’s efforts, winning all their matches but dropping a few games along the way. Their team of Andrew McPherson, Chris Barclay and David Shanks took the top three positions in the averages and congratulations to Andrew in securing the top player award. In a very tight finish for second place, the all girl Drumchapel C team did well to take it with just two points separating them from East Kilbride B and Holyrood E.
Division Three produced the closest finish with Drumchaple D winning the title by one point from North Ayrshire F. Knightswood C nearly spoilt Drumchapel’s charge to the title but Yaser Razouk won the crucial final match. Congratulations to Yaser, Thomas Cairns and Greg Robertson of Drumchapel D on winning their first league title. North Ayrshire F’s Jordan McGinlay took some comfort in winning the division’s top player award, well done Jordan.
The Junior League goes from strength to strength. It’s a successful format which attracts plenty of teams and offers players a competitive environment which they appear to enjoy. Looking down the Division One averages, five players are regulars in the West’s senior leagues but if the West League is to continue to develop these numbers require to increase. This is difficult to bring about and depends on coaches developing players, finding venues and organising teams. Apart from Drumchapel, the 44th BB /Holyrood and Easterhouse (although they may drop out at the end of this season) are the only teams to successfully achieve this transition. In addition, participation at TT Scotland tournaments attracts a minority of players from the West’s Junior league.
We do have a large number of registered players but few that appear willing to participate in these events. Perhaps we simply accept this and get on with enjoying the success we have but in the long term this lack of progression has serious implications for the West’s senior league continuing in its current format.
If you have any suggestions for a way forward or simply have a comment please make use of the WoSTTL guestbook.