Stunning Euro bronze for men as women claim best finish in 14 years

Scotland’s men produced a stunning performance on Saturday beating top seeds and defending champions France to seal bronze at the 2019 European Team Championships in Birmingham.

The Scots were flawless throughout the day with each player stepping up to the mark and ensuring a brilliant week for Scotland ended with a deserved podium place.

In their first top fight appearance since 2012, Scotland’s women, seeded eight, upset the odds to qualify out their group and reach the semi-finals for the first time in 14 years.

In this afternoon’s men’s bronze medal match, Greg Lobban produced a brilliant performance to defeat world number 16 Gregoire Marche in five, 4-11 6-11 11-9 11-6 6-11 before his close friend Alan Clyne defeated Lucas Serme (WR41), 6-11 7-11 5-11.

Rory Stewart then backed up his career best win against Frenchman Baptiste Masotti (WR61) in the group stages with a superb victory over Victor Crouin (WR73) today 2-11 1-11 11-6 13-15.

But it was on an adjacent court that Scotland secured bronze when Angus Gillams levelled his match at 1-1 against Masotti with Rory already 2 games up, much to the delight of the vocal Scottish support.

Earlier in the day our women just failed to win bronze with third seeds Belgium winning the 3/4 play-off courtesy of a sisterly double, Nele Gilis defeating Lisa Aitken 11-5 11-6 11-6 and Tinne Gilis beating Alison Thomson 11-1 11-5 11-5.

In the women’s final, six-time runners-up France shocked hosts England 2-1 to claim their first ever European title.

England beat Spain 2-1 to win the men’s event.

Full results here.

An interview with National Coach Paul Bell will be posted on Sunday as he reflects on a memorable week for Scotland.