Around the venues on day two of the Bahamas 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games:
Boxing: Scotland’s boxers returned to the ring on day three of the Commonwealth Youth Games and, after disappointment on the first day of fighting, Scotland were hungry for success.
Tyler Jolly got the day underway for Team Scotland when he won by unanimous decision against Canada. Speaking after a fierce bout, he said: “That was good, it was my first fight since May in the British so it was good to get the rust off. It’s a good feeling knowing that I have reached the semi-final but obviously I have tunnel vision on the gold.”
Megan Gordon had made history before even entering the ring as Scotland’s first ever female boxer to represent Team Scotland at a Commonwealth Games event. She started well in an intense bout with the Cayman Islands. With fierce blows being exchanged throughout the fight, Megan found a new level of strength in the final round to take the win by unanimous decision.
Speaking after the bout, she commented: “It feels so good to have got that win, I already can’t wait to get on to the next round. I am so chuffed to make it through to the next round and to have guaranteed myself a medal. I haven’t had a chance to see my opponent for the next round but I will be going in with a give-it-my-all mentality.”
Ryan Reekie was Scotland’s third and final boxer to take to the ring but narrowly missed out on making it a full-house of wins after a split decision.
Team Scotland will return to the ring once more tomorrow and there is sure to be a big crowd out to support flagbearer Lewis Johnstone who fights in the evening. Before Johnstone’s debut, his team mates Sam Hickey and Taylor Hamilton will take centre-stage.
Beach Volleyball: Emma Waldie and Jennifer Lee kept up their impressive level of performance as they faced a tough quarter-final match against the event hosts, the Bahamas.
Scotland, who had already beaten Vanuatu and Jamaica, looked right at home as the rain poured down throughout the first set, which they took 21-5. The second set was slightly closer, with the Bahamas switching up their serving strategy to cause Scotland some problems. After taking a brief time-out to discuss a change in game-plan, Scotland rallied on to take the second set 21-14.
With yet another straight-sets victory, Scotland’s girls will now challenge for medals. Standing in their way will be one of the tournament’s favourites, New Zealand.
Speaking after their win, Emma said: “That was amazing, coming in to this game we definitely did not expect to win so convincingly. That is the best performance we have had out here in the Bahamas and if we can perform like that again tomorrow then the only way is up for us.”
Jennifer added: “That is consecutive straight set wins for us now, this is a huge confidence boost for us. New Zealand will be our toughest match yet but we are both really looking forward to it.”
Tennis: Over at the Tennis it was a day of frustration, with multiple delays to play due to adverse weather, including rain and thunder storms. Scotland’s players however continued to shine in the Singles events with both Hamish Stewart and Alexandra Hunter progressing to the quarter-finals.
Hamish, who has arrived in the Bahamas on the back of Junior Wimbledon, eased through to the next round with a 6-0, 6-0 win over Norfolk Island. Speaking after an impressive match, he said: “It went well out there, it was a pretty solid performance. I know that the next game is going to be a harder match but I am looking forward to it and think I have a good chance in that one as well.”
Alexandra, playing the third seed Patricia Apisah of Papua New Guinea, took a tight 7-6 first set win, and then really found her stride to run away with the second set 6-0.
Both players were able to take a break before the mixed doubles event with thunder storms rolling in across the Island. When the weather allowed, Scotland wasted no time in securing their spot in the next round, again in action against the Papua New Guinea team and securing the win 6-1, 6-1.