Glorney 2013

[David G Congalton]

The truth: Scotland were last in the Glorney and Gilbert tournaments by a distance

Mr Muir

You are factually correct, for once. The comment is more negative than a Muon though but hey, whatever floats your boat.

Moderated myth by Scottish delusionists: Scotland won the Glorney and Gilbert tournaments comfortably as usual

I haven't a clue who you're referring to, as the Scottish delusionists.

Every member of the Scotland squad at the event in Cardiff was fantastic. Every one of them worked hard and contributed to their team in a positive way. It is a mark of their aspirations that not one of them was content with their score and many (quite rightly) felt that they could have come away with more. No delusionists among the kids.

In some cases, especially early on in the rounds, the lack of experience was apparent among those making their international debut and there were instances during the event of self-doubt and a lack of confidence. The coaches, adults and experienced players worked hard with all of the players on their games and where needed, on their confidence, with a positive outcome. All of those representing Scotland at the event gained experience and lessons were learned. The event was a serious challenge for the teams but every player was competitive.

None of us involved were or are deluded, which is why I have already been looking at ways of building on the experience gained and the lessons learned to give those who played in Cardiff and other juniors the opportunity to develop and improve, as well as increase the number of those who are in competition for places at these events.

Every young person at Cardiff is still developing as a player and also as a person. Had you been there you would have witnessed a whole load of positives on both fronts and very few, if any, negatives. I'll give you two examples.

• 1. One of our players had just lost but was consoled and then encouraged by a fellow team member before they left the playing hall. A genuine display of leadership, friendship and team spirit.
  
  2. Another player was lacking in confidence but after preparing for their next game with Heather Lang, carried out the plan and established a clear advantage. Despite their inexperience and the huge pressure they put on themselves, they played the game out carefully and thoughtfully and converted the advantage for a win

It is entirely your perogative to be negative if you wish. All be it without full possession of the facts and having not attended the event. There are those of us who will just get on with positively supporting and assisting our juniors in any way we can.