Celtic Challenge: IRTA vs Scotland 1 March, 2026

Ireland 993 — Scotland 934

Image: Radley College

The numbers say 993 to 934.

The walls say bruised.

The galleries say thank you very much, we’ll have another.

This year’s Celtic Challenge was a humdinger of a sporting fixture and six-game symphony played at tempo. Ireland edged it, but both sides left claw marks on the tambour and ball indentations on the grille.

Ireland’s 993-point haul did not arrive by accident — it arrived with purpose, polish and a certain Tony Penny sparkle. Unfortunately for Scotland, the Penny dropped for Tony. Penny got the Irish off to a stunning start to the day. He didn’t just contribute, he compounded. Every time Ireland needed interest, he paid out. His performances across the day made markers nod approvingly and opponents reconsider their life choices. He was part assassin…. and part accountant. Clinical. Balanced. Relentless. A performance that jingled in the Irish coffers all afternoon. Ewan Smith had a battle of a first match, not really putting a foot wrong and playing some lofty backhands to keep the Irish scoring down and to clock up some points of his own.

The Scottish team started well, but Ireland were so sharp and quick out of the gates. Salvos were bold and full of early-gallery intent. Simon Holland teasing the opposition with intent when he was 40/0 down and catching the “nicks” when on a second serve.

By now the tempo had shifted. Not frantic. Focused.

Points were no longer exchanged. They were negotiated.

The middle order was back and forth — with both sets of players winning and losing in their section. Ronald Paterson delivered what can only be described as a Kerr-ectomy. Steady, arm back, brace… serve. Against Stuart Kerr, Paterson dissected, dictated and demonstrated that timing is everything. Stuart had been in fine form in the doubles, clocking up some serious points. He found space where there was none, turned defence into declaration and left the markers busy and Kerr chasing shadows. It was a Paterson masterclass. Frame it.

All the Scottish hard work to get back into the match was countered. Neil Mortensen and Roy Rogers combined like two halves of a Celtic coin. Movement in harmony. Communication without clutter. Mortensen’s control dovetailed with Rogers’ reach and aggression. Their doubles outing felt choreographed yet instinctive, a combo for the ages. Opponents probed. Ireland parried. Points accumulated with metronomic inevitability.

…You could almost hear the ticking…

Nick Gordon fought hard with a large handicap deficit against Jeremy showing control and confidence in his serving game. Jeremy was on fine target form — peppering the Dedan, he could have racked up even more points for the Irish if it wasn’t for the Gordon defence.

As Scotland started picking up points — Mark Heffernan & Danny Dawson went to work. Both players picking up over a ton of points each. Heffernan showing solid doubles play and racking up with 6 winning openings. Danny Dawson had the fight back of the day against Ambrose. At 5/2 down and Ambrose in dominant form, it looked like a much needed win for Scotland. The Irish bench leaned forward.

The Scottish bench stopped blinking. But Danny fought back — proving his determination in a thrilling retrieval display in a great match. Ambrose didn’t lose it, Danny fought for it — winning 6/5.

Scotland finished the day swinging, proving the scoreline was no gentle fade-out but a full-volume crescendo. An entertaining 1 & 2 seed doubles (Keeley & Worboys V Budd & Ramjane) finished 6/5 to Scotland, which was dubbed by Nick Gordon as “match of day” got the Irish hearts pounding as the Scots sensed a revival. Another epic battle of the ages between Worboys & Ramjane ended in another 6/5 Scottish win, but Ireland were keeping their game scores high and matching the Scots on targets.

Top seed Andy Keely played like a man who reads the court the way others read a menu. Confident. Decisive. Occasionally indulgent. His point accumulation was relentless and his control over the rhythm of play gave Scotland stability when the Irish tide rose. In a fantastic singles match against Roland Budd — with over 100 points needed to secure victory, a formidable display unfolded. The score line was incredibly harsh on Roland — who played and retrieved superbly. With 4 of the 6 games going to 40/40, only for Keeley to produce a Tunnocks of a shot to seal the game.

The calculators came out. The legs gave way…. Ireland take the Celtic Challenge, 993 to 934.

Ireland counted the points.

Scotland counted the bruises.

Everyone counted themselves lucky to have witnessed it.

But the margin disguises the drama. This was fierce, funny, camaraderie and always competitive. A day of carved angles, brave chases and the kind of rally exchanges that make you remember why this ancient game still crackles with life. One of those fixtures that leaves players taller and the spectators shorter on fingernails.

Finally — A massive thank you to Alex Machin, Archie Campbell and Nino Merola for the fantastic hospitality, marking and fun throughout the day! The spirit in which you mark and take part with the fun really contributes towards the day, although you did try to throw both teams with the addition of “Chase 8”. Alex would announce with theatrical innocence. Players blinked. Calculated. Recalculated. Mild existential crisis. Play on. Brilliant!

Don't worry Ireland — I have managed to get Archie on board to play for Scotland next year!

Also — stay tuned for the Ballarat leg of the Celtic Challenge that takes place this weekend coming! Come on Scotland!

Same again next year?

— Dan Worboys

Photos

— Dan Worboys

Results

Match results

Scoring

Following an intricate set of rules, which reward winning openings as well as just match outcomes, the full results were as follows.

Ireland: Total 993

Scotland: Total 934