East Kilbride Handball Club sides celebrate Scottish Cup glory

Two teams from East Kilbride 82 Handball Club are celebrating after they both got their hands on the Scottish Cup.

The EK82 men’s team defeated Livingston in their final to lift a major trophy for the first time in nearly 40 years, while the under-12s girls’ side were triumphant in their big clash against Kelvinside.

It was almost a hat-trick of title for the club, but the girls’ under-16 side fell just short as they picked up a silver medal in their event.

The men’s team kicked things off with an impressive defensive performance to end Livingston’s incredible four-year domestic unbeaten run.

Marley Bowey was outstanding, making many crucial tackles, while EK goalkeeper Ewan Hunter had an especially high 50 per cent save rate.

Ryan Kealy in attack top scored with some fantastic finishes to help EK edge their rivals 25-22 on the day.

Head coach Jack Lees said: “Every player did their job to the highest level.

“We had top performers all the court. Eighteen year olds Blair Gavin and Marley Bowey were exceptional, not to mention some of the old guard in Roan Perrie, Benjy Muir Chris Mowat, Greg Hughes and Euan Duff.

“It was a terrific team performance.”

Club manager Michael Lavery echoed those sentiments and said: “This is a great achievement from a fantastic team.

“I was in the last team to win a major trophy for East Kilbride in the mid eighties, so I am extremely proud of them all.

“They made a bit of history today. Some players didn’t play today and I’d like to mention the terrific team spirit. Even those on the bench did a brilliant job supporting their team mates to victory.”

EK82 U12 girl then added to the men’s success by drawing 7-7 in the first game with Kelvinside and then winning 5-4 in the second game with a