The Women’s Over 45’s team put in a determined effort at the Masters Home Internationals in Edinburgh, ultimately finishing third after a weekend of intense competition.
The opening fixture against Scotland saw the team suffer a 4-1 defeat. Despite the score line, there were several competitive matches, with both Claire Catto and Rhian Davies claiming a game against their opponents. The sole win came from a solid performance at the number one string, where Helen Barnard sneaked a 3-2 victory.
Facing England in their second match, the team encountered formidable opposition. England proved dominant across the board, securing a 5-0 victory. While the result was disappointing, it provided valuable experience and underlined the high standard of play at this level.
In the final match against Ireland, the team bounced back impressively to claim a 4-1 win and secure third place overall. Every match was hard-fought, with standout performances from Claire Catto and Rhian Davies. Both players were involved in tightly contested games, showcasing determination and composure under pressure. Jill Griffiths dominated her opponent with her lob serves and killer volley drops with a convincing 3-0 win. Their efforts were instrumental in swinging the tie in the team’s favour. The team’s victory over Ireland was a testament to their perseverance and ability to regroup after earlier setbacks and injuries.
The squad can take pride in their performance and the way they represented their country. With this experience under their belts, they’ll be aiming to build on it in the next Masters Home Internationals.
