Thorn Park and Newlands win Scottish inter-club tennis titles

Two local tennis clubs secured victories at Scotland’s top inter-club competition.

Thorn Park Lawn Tennis Club and Newlands Lawn Tennis Club in the city’s Southside won the men’s and women’s Scottish Cup respectively.

Finals Day of the competition, formally known as the Scottish Inter-Club Challenge Cup, took place on June 15 at Whitecraigs Tennis Club.

Bearsden-based Thorn Park ended Newlands’ four-year grip on the men’s competition through a gripping match, winning back-to-back tie-breaks as they came from a set down in the deciding rubber with the scores locked at 4-4.

The winning moment came when Fraser Craig and Finlay Watters edged Liam Hignett and James MacKinlay.

(Image: Tennis Scotland)

After the 5-4 victory, Thorn Park captain Craig, said: “We might have looked down and out, but we got it back and held our nerve well to get over the line – so we’re really happy.

“Newlands are top quality, so we knew we were underdogs, but we gave it our all and it paid off.”

The Newlands ladies retained their Scottish Cup for the fifth consecutive year, defeating Braid 6-2.

Jennifer Steel, captain of the Newlands team, said: “It’s great to have won again.

“It was the same final as last year and it was just as tight, so we needed everyone to contribute and win matches.

“It was a real team effort and we’re all delighted.”

Blane Dodds, chief executive of Tennis Scotland, said: “Congratulations to Thorn Park Men and Newlands Women for deservedly winning the Scottish Cup after some hard-fought battles.

“This was an extra special Scottish Cup Finals Day as we celebrated 100 years of the women’s event, which gave us the opportunity to honour many of the clubs and players who have contributed so much to this historic competition.”

This year’s competition was special as it marked the centenary of the women’s event, with Tennis Scotland hosting a series of presentations to honour some of those who have contributed to the event over the years.

This includes a nod to Dunfermline Tennis Club for holding the record total of 18 victories, 75+ ITF world number one Marjory Love, Scottish Cup player Christine Lockhart, and 15-year-old Newlands star Anna McKnight, who is one of the youngest-ever winners.