Kerr Stirling were delighted to be the main sponsor of Judy Murray’s latest venture which involved bringing the World Tennis Team format (popular in the US) to Scotland.
 

Mixed teams (two male, two female) battle it out over 5 varied matches with total games won being the reckoner. Substitutions, time outs, music between games and forfeits for the losers all help add to the atmosphere. Throw in an umpire who has been officiating at Wimbledon for 30 years, players being bag-piped on to the court and a stunning operatic rendition of Flower of Scotland and you are starting to get the picture.

Two events took place and in the first, the Stirling Bravehearts comfortably saw off the West of Scotland Wolves 23-12 in the 16u event. In the revenge match, a week later, the Stirling Bravehearts adult team won a much closer affair against the Wolves 21-19.

The stunning setting of the Andy Murray-owned Cromlix House Hotel was perfect for the event which only requires one court to be used for the format. An appreciative small socially distanced audience applauded and cheered the quality of the tennis on show.

Judy’s hope is that this taster event will inspire clubs and districts to pick the format up and run with it. It’s certainly got the potential to get more people playing more often.

It was an excellent example of how a bit of drive (which Judy Murray has in spades) coupled with an organiser of Laura Middleton’s ability can pull together events like these together in quick order.

The winning Bravehearts 16u Team

 

Managing Partner Colin Mackenzie takes to the mic with tournament host Judy Murray	The scene is set – the court at Andy Murray’s Cromlix House Hotel
The Bravehearts and the Wolves line up on court in the stunning setting of Cromlix Hotel	Scottish No 2 Ali Collins in action
Rosie Sterk and Ali Collins on their toes in the doubles	Caitlin Steel getting ready to receive for West of Scotland Wolves
Ross powers a backhand return for the Wolves in the boys singles	Umpire Olwyn’s pre match chat. Anna and Eilidh v Heather and Gemma
Textbook low volley from Braveheart Eilidh	Bravehearts coach Joe Gill dispensing advice and thinking about getting a haircut
A couple of keen tennis fans (Colin’s mum & dad) take in the tournament	Judy Murray with Laura Middleton pose with the event banner
Seriously competitive rock, paper, scissors by the team captains	Headband and war paint from Ru Fraser
Bravehearts Euan sets for a backhand return in the boys doubles	Anna belting a forehand for the Bravehearts in the girls singles