Positive Performance by Team Aitken at the Scottish Ladies

Alas and alack - it was not to be!  Team Aitken lost out in their semi-final match against eventual runners-up, team Fleming, but Gina and her team should take enormous positives from the week that they have enjoyed in Perth.  The highlight (looking in from the outside) was their magnificent win over Eve Muirhead's Olympic Bronze Medalists and eventual champions.

Key for me was the experience of playing top-quality opposition on arena ice in a championship format.  The experience will be invaluable for them when they become Team Scotland at the World Junior Ladies Championships from 28 February to 8 March in Tallin, Estonia.

A lot of people who know the game well told me that they were hugely impressed by team Aitken's performance throughout the week.  They had presence on the ice; they were scared of no-one; they all throw the stone really well and, of course, they have the experience of last year to fall back on as well.

This year's World Junior Championship looks to be an open one, so roll on Tallinn and the very best of luck to coach David Aitken, Gina and her team.
 

From left: Skip Gina Aitken, Third Naomi Brown, Second Rowena Kerr, Lead Rachel Hannen, Alternate Karina Aitken and Coach David Aitken.