The SVL Junior U16 finals took place at the Sport & Exercise, University of Edinburgh.
The first boys semi-final started off with some impressive attacking play from both City of Edinburgh and South Ayrshire, but it was the greater experience at Junior level in decision making in attack that edge the match towards City of Edinburgh 2-0 (25-7, 25-14).
A similar story was also played out in the girls semi-final as Marr College overcame a spirited young South Ayrshire side 2-0 (25-12, 25-3) with an impressive showing of efficiency and experience for such a young team.
Aberdeen Grammar and City of Edinburgh certainly seem to be making a habit of meeting each other in semi-finals with this contest being their fourth SVL Junior semi-final meeting in a row. This game was just as competitive as the others, with the most positive outcome from the match looking to be the Scotland East cadet girls squad as the performance level was extremely high. Despite a fantastic showing of dedication and spirit from Aberdeen, City of Edinburgh emerged victorious 2-0 (25-23, 26-24)
The boys 2nd semi-final was equally as competitive and featured Perth & Kinross in their debut season as a club in SVL Junior taking on Cavalry Park NUVOC. Some power hitting from zone four was complimented with some spirited defence from both teams to make for an enticing match, which saw Perth & Kinross edge 2-0 (25-20, 27-25).
Not only was third place now at stake but also seeding places for the first ever U16 Junior Super Cup competition taking place in the 10th April at the same venue. These were special matches which saw a culmination of raw potential being translated into a positive team environment as both South Ayrsh
ire teams emerged victorious against Aberdeen Grammar Girls and Cavalry Park NUVOC boys 2-0 (25-17, 25-4) and 2-0 (25-10, 25-22) respectively.
The crowd built as more friends and family arrived to cheer on their teams
City of Edinburgh battled up against Perth & Kinross in the boys final in a game that highlighted some impressive serving and hitting power. Fraser Glass and Harris Ritchie of City of Edinburgh were clinical at the net with the opportunities they were given as City of Edinburgh as they edge out their opponents to win the U16 championship for the third year in a row. for the finals and with two courts going the atmosphere in the hall was a fantastic environment for the juniors to excel in and there was some special performances.
Perhaps fittingly on Mother’s Day we had female coaches Jess Reid and Juliana Facanha pit their impressive juniors against each other, both shouted on by an army of mothers and others from the stands. Marr College had this game to complete a perfect season after winning all their games and they didn’t disappoint. Some impressive rallies were played out but it was Marr College who were clinical in finishing off the rallies when it mattered most as they successfully joined Edinburgh in winning three in a row and completing the perfect season in both U16 and U18.
Thank you to Sport & Exercise and all the coaches, officials, mentors, friends and families which made for such a special day and we hope to see you at the Super Cup on 10th April.
Graeme Spowart
Club & Participation Development Officer
