Between the rain showers, Scotland storms into quarterfinals at SCA zonal event in Ayr

The CEV Small Countries Association (SCA) Zonal Tour returned to Scottish shores in spectacular fashion, as Day 1 in Ayr saw host nation Scotland dominate across both the men’s and women’s competitions. With a full day of thrilling matches on the sand, six Scottish teams – three men’s and three women’s pairs – topped their groups and advanced directly to the quarterfinals, much to the delight of the home crowd.

Women’s Competition – Trio of Scottish duos impressive
Scotland’s top-seeded pair Lynne Beattie/Mhairi Wallace delivered a powerful statement of intent, dispatching their Andorran and Maltese opponents in straight sets without allowing more than 16 points in any set. Their dominant play saw them clinch the top spot in Pool A and a direct ticket to the quarterfinals. 

Kathryn Barbour/Alexis Crusey were similarly convincing in Pool B, winning both matches 2-0, including a strong performance against compatriots Kirsty Hall/Holly Scott. Hall and Scott would progress to the Round of 12 after a thrilling, come-from-behind victory, against Northern Ireland in the afternoon. The automatic quarterfinal spot from Pool C was secured by Alexandra Clegg-McKeown/Melissa Coutts, who emerged unbeaten after edging out Malta in a thrilling three-setter. 

Northern Irish pair, Tara Mooney and Grace Allen, beat their Emerald Island competitors in the deciding match in Pool D to advance to the quarterfinals. The quarterfinals will be completed by the winners from the Round of 12 matches scheduled for Saturday morning. 

Men’s Competition – Home strength across the board
On the men’s side, the Scottish teams also showed their depth and strength. Euan Mackenzie Fraser/Ben McHardy looked in excellent form, winning both their matches to top Pool B. They overcame both domestic and Northern Irish opposition without dropping a set. Ewan Ramsay/Cole Turnbull were equally impressive in Pool D, picking up two clinical 2-0 victories, including a composed win over a young Iceland side and an experienced Northern Irish team. 

James McHardy/Ross McKelvie battled through a close contest against Wales to finish on top of Pool A and round out Scotland’s trio of men’s quarterfinal qualifiers. Meanwhile, SCA regulars the Ferry brothers, Pascal and Vincent, of Monaco showed their skill and experience to top their Pool. After the last pool matches on Saturday morning, the remaining eight teams will compete for the final four quarterfinal spots. 

Looking ahead
With six Scottish teams directly into the quarterfinals, the host nation will be well-represented as the knockout stages begin on Day 2. The action resumes in Ayr with Round of 12 elimination matches at 11:10 and 12:00 for the women and 12:50 and 13:40 for the men. These matches are set to determine the final quarterfinalists, before the Scottish stars return to the court in pursuit of medals on home sand.

The energy and support from the Scottish crowd were undeniable throughout Day 1 – and with knockout Beach Volleyball on the horizon, fans can expect even more drama as the SCA Zonal Tour continues. Fans in Scotland are encouraged to attend from 10 am while those living abroad can tune in on Scottish Volleyball’s YouTube channel. 

Pictures courtesy of Lynne Marshall and Michael McConville - volleyballphotos.co.uk