Monday, July 21, 2025
Ayr, Scotland – As the final whistle echoed across the sands of Ayr this past Sunday, it wasn`t just the capricious Scottish weather that delivered a full spectrum of experiences. While Mother Nature diligently performed her routine of sunshine followed by sudden, enthusiastic downpours – truly a four-seasons-in-one-day spectacle – the real drama unfolded on the court, culminating in an historic triumph for Scottish beach volleyball at the SCA Zonal Tour.
The stage was set for an exhilarating conclusion, with six semi-finals and four medal matches poised to determine the champions. Entering the final day with an impressive five teams in the final four across both men’s and women’s draws, the host nation was cautiously optimistic. Yet, seasoned opponents from Monaco, Northern Ireland, and Wales ensured that victory would not come without a formidable fight.
The Path to Scottish Supremacy
The women`s semi-finals kicked off the action, featuring an all-Scottish showdown. Melissa Coutts and Alexandra Clegg-McKeown, both with Commonwealth experience, faced the formidable Beach Pro Tour pairing of Alexis Crusey and Kathryn Barbour. In a match of gripping momentum shifts, Barbour and Crusey showcased their resilience, saving a match point in the second set before ultimately clinching a nail-biting decider. Their victory secured them a spot in the final, where they would meet Scotland`s most experienced duo, Lynne Beattie – a London 2012 Olympian – and Mhairi Wallace. Beattie and Wallace demonstrated their class by efficiently dispatching Tara Mooney and Grace Allen of Northern Ireland in straight sets, setting up an anticipated all-Scottish final.
On the men’s side, Euan Fraser and Ben McHardy initiated Scotland’s charge, skillfully overcoming a determined Welsh side, Conor Robins and Matthew Pollock, in two tightly contested sets. They were soon joined in the final by James McHardy and Ross McKelvie. In a display of admirable tenacity, McHardy and McKelvie battled back from a set down against Monaco`s tenacious Ferry brothers, Pascal and Vincent. Despite an impromptu mid-match collision under the net that might have rattled lesser teams, the Scots held their composure, securing their spot in an unprecedented all-Scottish men`s final – a truly unique scenario featuring two sets of McHardy brothers on opposing sides. One might politely inquire about the state of their holiday dinners after such a clash.
Beyond the Podium: Grit and Global Representation
While the gold medal matches captured much of the attention, the classification matches provided other teams a valuable opportunity to conclude their campaigns on a high note. Malta`s Monica Zammit Munro and Jana Kenkovski secured a straight-sets victory over Ireland’s Fiona Lamont and Lara McNichols, while fellow Maltese pair Tamara Kenkovski and Mikaela Galea edged out Scots Samantha Fowler and Charlotte Morgan in a tight contest. In the men’s draw, Andorra’s Lluc Macia de las Heras and Sergi Navas, making their debut at an SCA event, impressed with a strong 2-0 win over Scotland`s Ewan Ramsay and Cole Turnbull. Not to be outdone, Iceland’s Emil Mar Diatlovic and Tomas Davidsson capped their first appearance with a solid victory against Murray Paterson and Keir Paterson of Scotland.
The bronze medal matches were equally compelling. Clegg-McKeown and Coutts, demonstrating remarkable resilience after their semi-final heartbreak, bounced back to secure Scotland’s first medal of the day. In the men’s bronze match, Monaco’s Ferry brothers proved their consistency and handled the heavy Ayrshire rain with aplomb, earning a well-deserved third place in a straight-sets win, split between a torrential first set and a sun-drenched second.
Final Showdowns: A Storm, A Sprint, and Scottish Glory
The women’s final between Beattie/Wallace and Barbour/Crusey was a testament to strategic play and sheer nerve. Beattie and Wallace asserted their dominance early, securing the first set with sharp blocking and intelligent ball placement. However, Barbour and Crusey responded with aggressive serving and dynamic movement in the second, clinching a tense 25-23 finish to force a decider. The third set became a battle of wills, with both teams exchanging points until the experienced pairing of Beattie and Wallace finally seized the title, 16-14, on their third championship point.
The men’s final, an intriguing McHardy family affair, faced an unexpected interruption. A sudden thunderstorm, complete with lightning, forced a 40-minute delay before play could even commence. Once the skies cleared and play resumed, Fraser and McHardy quickly adjusted, taking the opening set. Yet, James McHardy and Ross McKelvie, perhaps fueled by a newfound respect for Scottish weather, roared back in the second set, showcasing power and precision to level the match. In the deciding set, the tactical acumen and collective experience of McHardy and McKelvie proved decisive. They established an early lead and expertly managed the game to claim the gold, rounding off a dream weekend for Scottish Beach Volleyball.
A Rising Tide for Scottish Sand Sports
With five of the six medals adorning Scottish necks, and both gold medal matches featuring an exclusive internal Scottish contest, the 2025 SCA Zonal Tour in Ayr has undoubtedly been a resounding success for the host nation. From promising youth debutants to seasoned international competitors, Scotland`s athletes performed exceptionally on home sand, not only securing hardware but also inspiring the next generation of volleyball enthusiasts. This remarkable performance sends a clear message across Europe’s smaller nations: Scottish Beach Volleyball is unequivocally on the rise, ready to make waves on the international stage.
Torin Vale