Celtic Challenge: IRTA vs Scotland 1–2 March, 2025

This year’s Celtic Challenge event was played over two legs in two locations — Radley College (UK) and Ballarat Tennis Club (Australia). Many thanks to both host clubs.

Congratulations to the Scottish team on their victory!

Ballarat leg

Many thanks to Rod Unmack, who led the match marking at BTC on the day, including tracking the bonus points of each match.

The Celtic Challenge leg at BTC went off very well. Friendly but determined competition, and players really got in to representing the Irish and Scottish diaspora. Tim Lamont wore a Scottish tartan bandanna, which we learnt from Tim has been the clan colours since the 13th century.

And rather like a good test match cricket game, at the end of the first day’s play, it’s certainly anyone's game to still win! After we tallied up the points, Ireland overcame a slow start to have a narrow 235 points to 193 points win in the Australian leg!

Stand-out performer was Richard Ramjane. His 117 points over 3 matches included 1 dedans, 5 grilles, and, crucially, 2 winning galleries in the final doubles match of the afternoon. Best Ballarat Scottish player was Rob Lagerberg, collecting a very creditable 80.5 points.

—Pat Sunter, BTC

Image: Pat Sunter

Results

Radley leg

Image: Radley College

Many thanks for excellent marking by Alex and Nick, and a wonderful lunch organised by Trudy Machin.

• Match result: 10–6 to Scotland
• Points result: 1058–965 to Scotland

Results

Photos