Scottish Cup Finals 2024: Thorn Park and Braid look to dethrone Newlands as women's event celebrates centenary
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Scotland’s premier inter-club competition, the Inter-Club Challenge Cup, comes to a close today at Whitecraigs LTC as Newlands LTC men and women look to defend their 2023 titles.
The 2024 finals will see a rematch between last year’s finalists in what is sure to be a thrilling championship battle. Thorn Park men and Braid women will once again challenge for the title, having both lost out to Newlands who clinched the 2023 double on home turf.
Going for their fifth consecutive titles in both events, Newlands will arrive at Whitecraigs in imperious form, the women’s team having knocked out the hosts in the semi-finals, following wins over Thorn Park and Bridge of Allan in the previous rounds. Meanwhile, their opponents Braid are back after reaching the 2023 final and arrive having taken the scalps of Strathgryffe, Western and Waverley.
The Newlands women sees five of their six 2023 title winning team players return with Sorcha Caves completing the roster for this year’s final. Similarly, Braid also have five players returning with the addition of Sarah McFadyen.
In the men’s, Newlands have shown their quality in coming through their previous ties, two of which went to a third round versus Western and Thistle. However, Thorn Park come into the final with confidence, having only dropped one rubber in their campaign which came in their 5-1 semi-final win over Stonehaven.
Newlands men see many of their players return including the likes of Scott Duncan who reached a career-high ATP doubles ranking of 173 in April following his Glasgow Challenger win. Led by Jordan Gray, Thorn Park have many of their 2023 lineup return and have added Rob Cowley to their squad this year as he is set to make his debut final appearance for the club.
As well as the tennis, events will take place today to celebrate 100 years of the Women’s Scottish Cup, with guests set to include representatives from Dunfermline Tennis Club, the most successful-ever team with 18 titles to their name. A host of other previous winners have been invited and a number of presentations will take place following the First Round of rubbers.
Blane Dodds, Chief Executive of Tennis Scotland, said: “As one of the standout events in our calendar, Scottish Cup Finals Day is a symbol of our country’s rich tennis history. It is always a fantastic occasion for everyone involved and the finalists should all be very proud of themselves for getting this far.
“We will also celebrate 100 years of the women’s event and we look forward to honouring many of the clubs and players who have contributed so much to the competition.
“Thank you to Whitecraigs for hosting the 2024 Finals and to the organisers who play an invaluable role in running a tournament of this calibre. We look forward to welcoming a big crowd to the Finals and I’d like to wish everyone the best of luck – may the best teams win.”
Play begins at 11am this morning, be sure to follow along our Tennis Scotland social media channels to receive updates throughout the day.
Teams
Newlands Women: Jennifer Steel (Capt), Heather Barlow, Sorcha Caves, Anna McKnight, Rachel Pang, Caitlin Steel
Braid Women: Suzie Provan (Capt), Mhairi Beattie, Heather Croll, Emily Gates, Sarah McFadyen, Eva Vrhunec
Newlands Men: Scott MacAulay (Capt), Scott Duncan, James Mackinlay, Liam Hignett, Patrick Young, Robert Dalgetty, Gregor Stott, Calum McKnight
Thorn Park Men: Jordan Gray (Capt), Rob Cowley, Kyle McKay, Finlay Watters, Cameron Fryer, Fraser Craig
