This is the Scotland team who played in the first international on 7^th May in 1949 in London. Scotland lost to England by 3 goals to 25 and narrowly lost to Wales 14-13.

 

Are you in contact with any of the Scottish Thistles who played that day? Do you have any stories to share about them? We’d love to hear them. Sadly not all the squad are still with us but we do have contact with some of their families who have shared precious memorabilia with us such as the handmade badge on their playing kit featuring a hand-drawn thistle. Wonder where that ball is now.

Image courtesy of England Netball

Back row (l-r) Stella McGuire, Beth Smith, Doris Breen (nee Fitzpatrick), Helen McLeish (nee Fleming), Eileen (Binkie) Mclean, Rena Johnston, Catherine Sweeney

Front row (l-r) Helen Glen, Mary Noel Milne (nee Brebner), Rita Renfrew (captain), Lily Keith (nee Hunter)

Rita went on to become a Thistles coach in the 50’s; Lily also represented Scotland at hockey; Helen Glenn become a Scottish umpire and her college nickname was Flum.

 

12 May 1951

 

Scotland hosted our first home international against Northern Ireland but we don’t know much about this match!

We know that we played in Glasgow, we won by 21 goals to 7 and the NI shooter Miss Peggy Curran had to go off injured in the first five minutes. According to the press she injured her ligaments and had to be flown home, we guess the rest still went home by boat.

 

Lily Keith (nee Hunter) had been selected to play for the Thistles but her place in the squad was taken by Kathleen McGinley (nee Farrell) as Lily had been previously chosen to play for the Scottish hockey team and were due to meet England on the same day.

 

The squad was

M Hall, Kathleen McGinley (nee Farrell), Elizabeth Gavigan, M. Murray, Maybridge Pirie (nee Cosgrove), Ethel Edgerton, Elizabeth McNeil, Margaret Devlin, W. Gates

 

We are looking for any photos of this first home international, the venue it was played in as well as confirmation of who actually got on court. In those days reserves only played if someone was injured and had to come off, subs weren’t allowed for any other reason.

 

02 June 1951

 

Scottish Thistles played against England Wales again as part of the Festival of Britain, also referred to as the International and Commonwealth Festival in Birmingham. We lost to England 32 – 3 and to Wales by 15 – 13.

We know the names but we need help matching them to the faces. Do you know any of these players?

 

We do know that Maybridge Pirie (nee Cosgrove) is wearing bib no 6 and was a pupil of Notre Dame school. She was very good at sport but ended up training as an Art teacher.

 

North region – M. Hall, Lily Keith (nee Hunter), Elizabeth (Lally) Gavigan, M. Murray

West region – Maybridge Pirie (nee Cosgrove), Ethel Edgerton, Elizabeth McNeil, Margaret Devlin

Midlands – W. Gates

 

This was before the names and initials of the positions were agreed internationally and for some reason we played in bibs with numbers on that day. Thistles were still playing in an all-white strip.

 

Action shots from 02 June 1951, do you know if this is against Wales or England?

 

 

Images courtesy of England Netball

 

The Wales game was much more closely fought.  Scotland, after a poor start (6-0 down) took the lead at 10-9.  The Welsh team however fought back and pipped Scotland to win 14-13.

 

Doris Breen (nee Fitzpatrick) third from left in all-white kit

Images courtesy of Mirrorpic & England netball

 

 

 

 

 

 

Badges courtesy of Doris Breen’s (nee Fitzpatrick) family

May 7^th 1949 – the first netball international was played on the grounds of the General Electric Company, Preston Road, Wembley. Three internationals were played on that day:

 

1^st game               England v Scotland

2^nd game             Scotland v Wales

3^rd game              England v Wales

 

England won both their games, the scores on both matches were the same.

 

England    25   Scotland and Wales    3

 

Programme courtesy of Doris Breen’s (nee Fitzpatrick) family

 

 

 

Post match meal for all teams and officials

 

Images courtesy of England Netball

 

 

Menu courtesy of Doris Breen’s (nee Fitzpatrick) family

 

 

 

 

 

The 50’s saw the Scottish Thistles play in 20 matches, largely against the home nations, and featuring Australia and South Africa for the first time.

• With 11 wins and 10 losses as well as playing on a slippery ice rink it was quite a decade of competition
• The results for our six matches against England were all losses and in one match we only scored one goal in 1956, however, we won all six games against Northern Ireland, and against Wales we won 5 games and lost two
• Our first game against Australia in 1956 was played in North Shields, England and we lost 7-25
• Our first match against South Africa in 1959 also resulted in a loss with the score being 8-31. 4000 spectators watched the game
• Out of 37 players representing Scotland in the 50’s, 35 earned their first cap in the decade
• We hosted our first home international in Glasgow in 1951 against Northern Ireland
• Scotland scored 286 goals with an average of 13.6 goals per match. Goals scored against Scotland were 405 with an average of 19.2 goals per match

Scottish Thistles captains in the 50’s included:

• Lily Keith (Hunter) #4
• Theresa Rice (McCartney) #20
• Margaret Devine #19
• Lena Fraser (Calder) #23
• Sheila Donald (Ferguson) #22
• Celia Shields (Breslin) #26

Scottish Thistle coaches in the 50’s included:

• Eileen “Binky” McLean
• Nan Naughton (Cranie)
• Helen Glen
• Sarah Gracie

Scottish umpires in the 50’s included:

• Helen Glen
• Janie Goodier
• Liz Kelly
• Sarah Gracie

Scottish Netball officers in the 50’s included:
Presidents – Janie Goodier, Lily Hunter, Eileen ‘Binky’ McLean
Secretaries – Rita Rice (Renfrew), Helen Glen, Catherine O’Donnell, Lena Fraser (Calder)
Administration/finance – Nancy Bathgate, Lydia Muir (Curley), Grace Heenan, Margaret McCarthy, Miss M. Gorman

12 May 1951 Scotland vs Northern Ireland

Scotland hosted our first home international against Northern Ireland, the match was played in Glasgow, and we won by 21 goals to 7. According to the press, NI shooter Miss Peggy Curran injured her ligaments in the first five minutes of the game. She had to be flown home, we guess the rest still went home by boat. Lily Keith (Hunter) #4 had been selected to play for the Thistles but her place in the squad was taken by Kathleen McGinley (Farrell) as Lily had been previously chosen to play for the Scottish hockey team and were due to meet England on the same day.
The players were:
Maisie Hall (Young) #10, Kathleen McGinley (Farrell) #18, Elizabeth Loudon (Gavigan) #11, Mhairi Pfeil (Murray) #13, Maybridge Pirie (Cosgrove) #12, Ethel Edgerton #14, Elizabeth ‘Betty’ McNeil #15, R. Devlin #16, Sheila Wendy Ferrier (Gates) #17.

02 June 1951 Scotland vs England, and Wales

Scottish Thistles played against England, and Wales again as part of the Festival of Britain, also referred to as the International and Commonwealth Festival in Birmingham. We lost to England 3-32 and to Wales by 13-15.

Scotland team June 1951
Back row left to right, Umpire Helen Glen, R. Devlin #16 or Sheila Wendy Ferrier (Gates) #17?, Lily Keith (Hunter) #4, Elizabeth Loudon (Gavigan) #11, Maybridge Pirie (Cosgrove) #12, Mhairi Pfeil (Murray) #13
Front row left to right, Ethel Edgerton #14, Elizabeth ‘Betty’ McNeil #15, R. Devlin #16 or Sheila Wendy Ferrier (Gates) #17?, Maisie Hall (Young) #10

This was before the names and initials of the positions were agreed internationally and for some reason we played in bibs with numbers on that day. Thistles were still playing in an all-white strip.

Action shots from June 1951

31 October 1953 Scotland vs Northern Ireland

We travelled to Belfast in Northern Ireland in 1953 for our first away game against them. The team went by boat and knitted purple cuffs to wear on their ankles on the journey.

Scotland’s first away game against Northern Ireland 1953
Image courtesy of Kathleen McGinley

Scotland team (right of picture) from centre – Theresa Rice (McCartney) #20 captain, Margaret Devine #19, Kathleen McGinley (Farrell) #18, Susan Hepburn (McLennon) #21, Elizabeth Loudon (Gavigan) #11, Sheila Donald (Ferguson) #22, Lena Fraser (Calder) #23

8 May 1954 Scotland vs Wales and England

Nan Miller (Hoggan) #25 achieved two caps playing netball for Scotland in 1954. She was an Attack player, this position is now called Goal Attack. She was introduced to netball at Notre Dame High School and loved it. According to Nan the players all had to makes their own playing tunics; someone bought a pattern and the material, and they all sewed them. Nan played in our first match against Wales and England which was played at Cathays High School, New Zealand Road in Cardiff. Scotland lost to England by 4-29 and also lost to Wales by 10-15. It’s likely that the matches were two halves of 20 minutes at this time.

14 May 1955 England vs Scotland

We travelled to Harringay, London to play England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Extract from match programme 1955

21 April 1956 Scotland vs Australia

Celia Shields (Breslin) #26 was the most capped Thistle in the 50’s with 16 caps. She played every game for seven consecutive years from 1954-1960 receiving 20 caps in total, she played at WA or WD and was captain in 1957. Celia went to Clerkhill Convent School and Notre Dame Training College where she trained as a teacher. When she was selected to do a course in Outward Bound activities she retired from netball. Her proudest moments were “playing at Wembley in 1960 and in 1958 being invited to the opening of the Inverclyde new sports centre in Largs. The team was invited to take part in the activities and to see the new facilities. I attended a course given by Chris Brasher on relay running. This proved very helpful when coaching athletics teams during my teaching career.” Celia moved to Uganda with her husband and then later to Swaziland where she continued with her teaching career as a Primary school teacher and where she also taught netball. She has retired and still lives in Swaziland, and we tracked her down through her family on Facebook.

Celia Shields (Breslin) #26 is the player on the far right in the match vs Australia in 1956.

23 March 1959 Scotland vs South Africa

Moira Ord MBE #41 earned her first Thistles cap playing in the match against South Africa in 1959 and recalls that “the match was played on an ice rink that had been covered by a wooden flooring. By the time the South Africa vs Scotland match was due to start the ice had begun to melt and made the wooden flooring very slippery and extremely dangerous. Within a short space of time Scotland’s attack [GA Sheila Ferguson (Donald)] player fell and badly sprained her ankle. Some quick changes were made to the Scottish team, I went to attack [GA], May Rooney to centre and Agnes Woulfe (reserve) moved to an attacking centre. No wonder we didn’t win!!!”

Moira went on to achieve 39 caps for Scotland between 1959 and 1967, captaining her country 16 times, coaching the team at 18 matches, and was an international umpire. As well as a full and busy working life, Moira was committed and passionate about making sure that netball in Scotland was supported through sound administration. She held many roles in administration of netball including President and Vice-President, non-executive Director, and Chair of the Board. Her most notable achievement was bringing the World Netball Championships to Scotland in 1987, leading the delivery of the event on many levels. Moira is in the Netball Scotland Hall of Fame and was awarded an MBE for her services to netball.

The 60’s was momentous for netball as it featured the inaugural World Tournament held in Eastbourne in 1963 and the second World Tournament held in Perth, Australia in 1967 and Scotland entered a team in both competitions. In total Scotland played 49 matches, more than double their total in the 50’s.

 

• The World Tournaments gave an opportunity for Scotland to play against teams from all round the world exposing them to different styles and forms of play and with mixed results
• Scotland won 21 of their matches in the decade against:
  • Wales 11 games
  • Northern Ireland 7
  • Ireland, Ceylon, and Singapore 1 each
• The 28 losing matches were against:
  • England 14 games
  • Jamaica 3
  • Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Trinidad 2 games each
  • Northern Ireland, Wales, and West Indies 1 game each. Interestingly all three games were only lost by one goal
• Our lowest score was 6, both times against England, and our highest score (losing the match) was 33 against West Indies, and also against Wales
• Highest score against us was by New Zealand who scored 85 goals to Scotland’s 7
• Our highest score in a match we won was 51 goals against Ireland
• Scotland scored 1172 goals with an average of 24.5 goals per match. Goals scored against Scotland were 1852 with an average of 37.7 goals per match
• 34 players represented Scotland in the 60’s, with 27 players receiving their first cap
• Most capped player in the 60’s was Moira Ord MBE who earned 39 caps and played in 2 world tournaments
• Information in the tournament programme for 1963 says that “Scottish Netball Association is divided into six District Associations ….. strongest districts are those able to draw upon students from various colleges and universities …. northern counties very thinly organised … inter-district league matches are played throughout the season, rounded off by Inter-District tournament in June …. Scotland has participated in home internationals since 1949.”
• Purple blazers were first worn in 1960 when the team travelled by train to London to play against England at Wembley, 8500 spectators watched this match
• Scottish Netball Association produced their first ever handbook in 1961 thanks to Sarah Gracie, President

 

Scottish Thistles captains in the 60’s included:

 

• Ann Boyle (Gillespie) #44
• Mae Lavery (Rooney) #40
• Moira Ord MBE #41
• Priscilla Kerr #60
• Marie Fairie #59

 

Scottish Thistle coaches in the 60’s included

• Elizabeth Kelly
• Muriel Getty
• Katie Pye
• Lena Fraser (Calder)

 

Scottish umpires in the 60’s included

• Sarah Gracie
• Jane Goodier
• Helen Glen
• Elizabeth Kelly
• Catherine Clarke
• Eileen ‘Binky’ McLean
• Ann Boyle
• Maeve Wilson

 

Scottish Netball officers in the 60’s included

Presidents – Sarah Gracie, Nancy Bathgate, Nan Naughton (Cranie), Muriel Getty

Secretaries – Nancy Bathgate, Muriel Getty, Maeve Wilson, Ann Ventisei, Ann Stoddart

Administration/finance – Miss M Gorman, Margaret Cameron (McCarthy), Clare Stuart (Campbell)

 

1963 1^st World Tournament

• Captain – Mae Lavery (Rooney) #40
• Coach – Muriel Getty
• Manager – Nancy Bathgate
• Umpire – Lily Keith (Hunter)

 

1967 2^nd World Tournament

• Captain – Moira Ord MBE #41
• Coach – Katie Pye
• Manager – Margaret Urquhart
• Umpire – Maeve Wilson
• Delegate – Muriel Getty

 

Jean Inkster (Browning) #48

Jean shared stories with Netball Scotland about her life and her netball career, telling us that “Probably my most proud moment was standing with my team members as the National Anthem was played while each other nation in attendance was also proudly standing to attention as their national anthems were played. That was the opening ceremony of the 1st World Tournament in Eastbourne.”

 

Jean and her twin sister, Dorothy Browning, played netball at primary school but their teacher told them that Dorothy wasn’t allowed to play in the team as she couldn’t tell them apart so only one could play. Dorothy somehow continued with her netball career and did manage to become a reserve for Scotland but sadly never got on court to earn a cap.

 

Jean trained as a teacher at Dunfermline College of Physical Education, DCPE and, following her marriage, moved to the Bahamas where she introduced netball and set up the Bahamas Netball Association. She played for the Bahamas in the 3^rd World Tournament in 1971 and returned as an international umpire for the Bahamas in the 5^th World Tournament in 1979.

 

Margaret Cameron (McCarthy) #38

Margaret shared an album with us full of netball treasures including a copy of the first ever Scottish Netball Association Handbook produced by Sarah Gracie, President. Margaret was SNA Treasurer in 1961-1962 and earned 32 caps starting in 1958 and ending her playing career after the World Tournament in 1963. In June 1962 Margaret McCarthy, Margaret McKenna and Ann Gillespie went to Holyrood House to meet Queen Elizabeth who had invited 600 young Scottish people to attend a royal garden party where netball was represented by Margaret, Margaret and Ann.

Invitation to the Holyrood garden party, with kind permission of Margaret (Cameron) #38

           

SNA handbook 1961-62 extracts, with kind permission of Margaret (Cameron) #38

 

1960 Scotland vs England

We travelled by train to London from Glasgow Central staton, where we played England at the Empire Pool in Wembley.

       

Top left to right Sarah Gracie, Mae Lavery (Rooney) #40, Cathie Campbell (Nicholson) #34,

Ann Gillespie (Boyle) #44

Bottom left to right Kathleen Cunnion (Christie) #45, Celia Shields (Breslin) #26

Top right left to right Margaret Cameron (McCarthy) #38, Maureen Gallagher (Lightbody) #35,

Grace Heenan #32

Dark (purple) dresses Scotland (L) Kathleen Cunnion (Christie) #45 and (R) Grace Heenan #32

 

1963 First World Netball Tournament, Eastbourne

Left to right Margaret Cameron (McCarthy)#38, Nancy Bathgate Manager,

Mae Lavery (Rooney) #40 captain, Jean Inkster (Browning) #48, Margaret Thompson (Fay) #51,

Celia McDermott (Kerrigan) #52, Agnes O’Brien #54, Moira Ord MBE #41,

Margaret McDermott (McKenna) #49, Mary Pat Forrest (Bocker) #50, Isabel Halkett (Johnston) #53

 

The headline in the Herald Chronicle on Saturday, August 10, 1963, said

“They come far and near with one aim in mind ….. BEATING THE WORLD AT NETBALL”.

It further noted that the flags of 11 nations were fluttering in the breeze over the grandstand and the tournament, “sponsored by the International Federation of Women’s Basketball and Netball Associations, the exchange of badges and souvenirs among players has been a symbol of the international friendship and understanding players have promoted.”

Extract from Jean Inkster’s (Browning) #48 world tournament diary – opening ceremony

Extract from Jean Inkster’s (Browning) #48 world tournament diary – closing ceremony

Scotland squad enjoying some shopping on their day off

Left to right Margaret Thompson (Fay) #51, Margaret Cameron (McCarthy) #38, Agnes O’Brien #54, Moira Ord MBE #41, Mae Lavery (Rooney) #40, Celia McDermott (Kerrigan) #52, Margaret McDermott (McKenna) #49

     

Action shots Scotland vs South Africa

GK Margaret Thompson (Fay) #51                                                 GS Celia McDermott (Kerrigan) #52,

GD Margaret McDermott (McKenna) #49                                     GA Margaret Cameron (McCarthy) #38

C Mae Lavery (Rooney) #40

 

1965 4 nations tournament, Crystal Palace, England

The team was largely made up of players from Glasgow with Dundee and Lanark also represented.

Scotland team back row left to right Moira Ord MBE #41, Margaret McDermott (McKenna) #49, Nan Cameron #55, Margaret Thompson (Fay) #51

Front row left to right Linda Nicholl #56, Jean Inkster (Browning) #48, Ann Bryceland #57

   

Programme image courtesy of Margaret Thompson (Fay) #51

 

1967 Second World Tournament, Perth, Australia

 

The squad image was taken in St Enoch’s Square, Glasgow where the BEA terminal (British European Airways) was located. Moira Ord MBE kept the photos and also shared that the squad are in their traveling unform – suits provided by Geoffrey Laird-Portch, hats, blouses, and gloves provided by M and S, shoes and handbags provided by Stead and Simpsons.

 

The squad travelled via New York and San Francisco to Auckland where they were hosted by the New Zealand Netball Association and played some friendly matches. Jill Galbraith shared this newspaper clipping with us from her scrapbook. The squad raised £100 each to go to the tournament and paid for their food and accommodation themselves. To put this in perspective, Jill noted on a postcard to her husband that it was very expensive in new York and the hotel cost £3.10 shillings, if you imagine what a hotel room in new York might cost today it gives us a sense of the enormity of the fund raising the players had to do.

Evening Times clipping courtesy of Jill Galbraith

Scotland squad image George Outram and co

Left to right Ann Davidson #61, Jill Galbraith (Batchelor) #64, Moira Ord MBE #41,

Elizabeth ‘Lally’ Greenan (Gavin) #58, Clare Stuart (Campbell) #65, Joan Forrest (Church) #66,

Agnes O’Brien #54, Nan Cameron #55, Margaret Urquhart Manager,

Alice Callaghan (McAuley) #62, Maeve Wilson Umpire, Katie Pye Coach, Priscilla Kerr #60

Marie Fairie #59, Muriel Getty President

Poster for the 2^nd World Tournament courtesy of Marie Fairie. Note its title – basketball!

 

Back row left to right Agnes O’Brien #54, Clare Stuart (Campbell) #65, Nan Cameron #55,

Ann Davidson #61, Jill Galbraith (Batchelor) #64, Joan Forrest (Church) #66,

Alice Callaghan (McAuley) #62

Front row left to right Priscilla Kerr #60, Moira Ord MBE #41, Elizabeth ‘Lally’ Greenan (Gavin) #58,

Marie Fairie #59

     

 

Scotland vs Trinidad                                                                        Scotland vs Australia

GK Jill Galbraith (Batchelor) #64                                                   GS Ann Davidson #61

GD Alice Callaghan (McAuley) #62

Opening ceremony 2^nd World Tournament 1967

Scotland Netball in the ’70s: A Decade of Grit, Growth & Guinness World Records

A Busy Decade on the Court

The 1970s marked a significant leap forward for Scottish netball. With 59 matches played — ten more than in the 1960s — the national team was busier, bolder, and more ambitious than ever. International netball was taking root, with World Tournaments solidifying into a four-year cycle hosted in Jamaica, New Zealand, and Trinidad. The Scottish Thistles were on the move — and on the rise.

 

Three World Cups in the 70’s

 

1971 – 3^rd World Cup, Kingston, Jamaica

In 1971, the Scottish Thistle netball team journeyed to Jamaica for the World Netball Tournament — a trip that was as thrilling as it was daunting. Swapping grey Scottish skies for the vibrant heat of the Caribbean, the players found themselves immersed in a world of new sights, sounds, and fierce competition. As amateurs balancing sport with day jobs, they faced seasoned teams from netball powerhouses like Australia and New Zealand with determination and pride. Though victories were few, the experience bonded the team deeply and marked a pivotal step in Scotland’s netball journey, planting seeds for the sport’s growth back home.

1971 squad

Back row l-r: Frances McFarlane (McGarry) #78, Sandra Cameron #69, Liz Wilson (McPheely) #76, Judy Arrowsmith (Goldthorpe), Ann Davidson #61

Middle row l-r: Teresa Miller (Rooney) #72, Kathleen McGettrick #77

Front row l-r: Yvonne Sharratt (McCallum) #75, Marie Fairie #59, Elizabeth Ann (Fan) Hutchison (Church) #73, Denise Hepburn (McGilvray) #79, Margaret Lynch (Hoy) #74

Image courtesy of Kathleen McGinley (Farrell)

1971 squad and delegation

Standing l-r: Liz Wilson (McPheely) #76, Ann Davidson #61, Yvonne Sharratt (McCallum) #75, Teresa Miller (Rooney) #72, Margaret Lynch (Hoy) #74, Sandra Cameron #69, Marie Fairie #59, Kathleen McGettrick #77, Denise Hepburn (McGilvray) #79, Frances McFarlane (McGarry) #78, Judy Arrowsmith (Goldthorpe), Elizabeth Ann (Fan) Hutchison (Church) #73

Seated l-r: Agnes O’Brien #54 Team Manager, Lena Fraser #23 Coach, Maeve Wilson Head of Delegation, Muriel Getty Delegate, Eileen (Binky) McLean Umpire

Image courtesy of Marie Fairie

Information on the Scotland squad for the 1971 tournament

Click here to see a short clip of Scotland at the opening ceremony

Film courtesy of Marie Fairie

 

Action shots from the tournament

• Opening game – Jamaica vs Scotland: WA Sandra Cameron, GA Elizabeth Ann (Fan) Church, C Marie Fairie, Captain
• GS Ann Davidson in action against Trinidad
• GS Margaret Lynch (Hoy) playing against Jamaica

1975 – 4^th World Cup, Auckland, New Zealand

In 1975, the Scottish Thistles made a long journey to New Zealand for the fourth Netball World Tournament, a landmark moment in their history. Facing top teams like Australia and New Zealand, they encountered tough competition but gained valuable experience. Though less resourced than their rivals, the Thistles played with pride, embraced the spirit of international sport, and returned home with stories of challenge, camaraderie, and national honour.

1975 squad

l-r: Jane Elliot (Lavery) #85, Anna Telfer (Livingstone) #82, Liz Wilson (McPheely) #76, Marian McConnochie (O’Sullivan) #90, Elizabeth Ann (Fan) Hutchison (Church) #73, Marie McDade #89, Joan Hughes #80, Yvonne Sharratt (McCallum) #75, Jane Hughes #81, Helen Whiteford (Speirs) #88, Kathleen McGettrick #77, Marie Fairie #59

Information on the Scotland squad for the 1975 tournament

To watch a short clip of some of the teams marching on for the 1975 Opening Ceremony click here. Scotland are wearing purple tracksuits.

We also have some clips from matches with Scotland playing against Wales, Trinidad & Tobago, and Papua New Guinea, click here.

Films courtesy of Marie Fairie

 

Players liked to keep scrapbooks as mementos of their trips for netball giving us further insight into their experience.

Action shot courtesy of Kathleen McGettrick, scrapbook pages courtesy of Anna Telfer (Livingstone)

1975 4^th World Cup results

1979 – 5^th World Cup, Port of Spain, Trinidad

In 1979, the Scottish Thistles travelled to Trinidad and Tobago for the fifth Netball World Cup, an exciting and challenging adventure. Competing in the Caribbean heat against some of the world’s best teams, the Thistles continued to grow as an international side. The tournament was historic, ending in a rare three-way tie between the hosts, Australia, and New Zealand, highlighting the fierce level of competition. For Scotland, it was another chance to gain experience on the world stage, strengthen team bonds, and proudly represent their country in a vibrant and passionate netball environment.

I

1979 squad

l-r: Moira Ord MBE #41,  Liz Kerr (Balfour) #104, Ann Duff (Murphy) #96, Jane Elliot (Lavery) #85, Liz Wilson (McPheely) #76, Mary Thompson (Morrow) #103, Marie McDade #89, Kathleen Riley (Gibbons) #102, Clare Martis (McCormick) #105, Margaret Black (Coats) #198, Marie Fairie #59, Helen Whiteford (Speirs) #88, Margaret Reid (Dolan) #97

Image courtesy of Kathleen McGinley (Farrell)

Information on the Scotland squad for the 1979 tournament

• Margaret Black (Coats) #198 and Elizabeth (Liz) Wilson (McPheely) #76, leaving from Central Station, Glasgow
• Opening ceremony, Scotland being led out by Captain Marie Fairie #59 and President Jane Allan
• Marie Fairie #59 being presented to a World Cup dignitary
• Scotland vs Australia GS Kathleen Riley (Gibbons) #102, WA Helen Whiteford (Speirs) #88
• Scotland vs Australia GS Kathleen Riley (Gibbons) #102, GA Ann Duff (Murphy) #96, WA Helen Whiteford (Speirs) #88

Images courtesy of Liz Wilson (McPheely) and Marie Fairie

A Winning Record with Global Reach

Scotland clinched 45 victories during the decade, notching wins across the world:

• 8 wins over Northern Ireland
• 4 wins against Wales
• 3 each against Canada and Ireland
• Single-match victories over the Bahamas, Fiji, Grenada, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, and Sri Lanka

But they also faced tough competition. The 33 losses came largely at the hands of dominant teams:

• 12 losses to England
• 4 each to Australia, Jamaica, and Wales
• 3 each to New Zealand and Trinidad & Tobago
• Single losses to Barbados, Northern Ireland, and St Kitts–Nevis

Two memorable draws against Wales in 1975 and 1976 added to a rich decade of rivalry.

Highs, Lows & Hard Lessons

The decade brought moments of brilliance — and a few hard lessons:

• Lowest score: 6 goals vs. England
• Highest score in a losing match: 44 goals vs. Jamaica
• Highest score against Scotland: 81 goals by New Zealand
• Most goals scored by Scotland in a win: 60 vs. Papua New Guinea

In total, Scotland scored 1,905 goals (averaging 31.7 per match), while conceding 2,495 goals (41.5 per match).

Legends in the Making

Among the standout names of the decade was Marie Fairie, who not only captained Scotland in 52 matches but also became a Guinness World Record holder for most international caps in the world (66 in total, including 14 from the 1960s). Alongside her, Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Wilson (McPheely) earned 52 caps in the ’70s, sharing the spotlight as one of Scotland’s most capped players.

In total, 40 players represented Scotland in the decade, 33 of them making their debut — a clear sign of the team’s growing depth and reach. Other players who earned 30+ caps were Marie McDade, Jane Elliot (Lavery), and Kathleen McGettrick.

Trailblazing Tour to Canada

1976 marked a milestone — Scotland’s first non-tournament tour abroad, led by coach Maeve Wilson, captain Marie Fairie, and manager Anne Stoddart. The team played and won all three matches in Canada, proving their ability to perform — and win — on foreign soil.

Leading from the Sidelines

Behind every great team is a strong coaching backbone. The 1970s saw three key figures guide the Thistles:

• Lena Fraser (Calder) – 40 games
• Moira Ord MBE – 16 games
• Maeve Wilson – 3 games

Those Who Made It All Possible

Scotland’s netball progress wasn’t just about players and scores. Off the court, a dedicated team of umpires, administrators, and volunteers helped elevate the game.

Captains

• Marie Fairie #59 – 52 matches
• Liz Wilson (McPheely) – 5 matches

Umpires

• Eileen (Binky) McLean – 15 games including the 3^rd World Cup
• Elizabeth McFarlane – 15 games including the 4^th World Cup
• Irys Giles – 12 games including the 5th World Cup
• Anne Stoddart – 8 games
• Ann Boyle (Gillespie)
• Margaret Urquhart
• Clare Stuart (Campbell) #65
• Moira Ord MBE #41
• Nancy Gear

Officials

• Presidents: Maeve Wilson, Jane Allan
• Secretaries: Ann Ventisei, Anne Stoddart
• Finance/Admin: Fiona Ross

A Decade That Laid the Foundation

The 1970s were more than a collection of scores and statistics — they were a foundational chapter in Scotland’s netball story. With passionate leadership, fierce competition, and record-setting athletes, the Thistles of the ’70s didn’t just compete — they helped shape the sport for generations to come.

 

Our History: 1980s: A Decade of Growth, Challenge and Pride

Expanding Horizons

The 1980s saw Scottish Netball continue to strengthen its international presence, with the Thistles playing 62 matches — an increase from the previous decade. Scotland’s players took to courts around the world, testing themselves against the very best and laying foundations for future generations.

 

Making their Mark on the World Stage

The Scottish Thistles competed with pride at the 1983 World Tournament in Singapore, securing an impressive sixth-place finish — one of their finest global results to date. Four years later, history was made closer to home, as Scotland proudly hosted the 1987 World Cup in Glasgow. Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, the Thistles showcased their resilience, skill, and national pride on one of netball’s biggest stages.

 

Two World Cups in the 80’s

 

1983 6^th World Cup Singapore

     

1983 long squad for Singapore

Back row l-r: Alexandra (Sandra) Frame (Trainer) #109, Christine Stanley (Donnelly), Caroline Downie #113, Joan Thomson #112, Mary Biggins #86, Mary McGinn (Gibbons) #99, Jane Elliot (Lavery) #85

Middle row l-r: Fiona Booth (McKain) Manager, Liz Kerr (Balfour) #104, Kathleen Reilly (Gibbons) #102, Lorraine Caw-Gearing (Caw) #111, Ladonnia Hardie (Boale) #118, Caroline Miller (McAlweenie), Anne Marie Daly Umpire, Agnes O’Brien #54 Coach

Front row l-r: Susan Mosher (McCafferty) #107, Mary Ann Cosgrove #100, Linda McDowall (Hawey) #110, Margaret Black (Coats) #98

 

1983 squad and delegation in their traveling uniform

Standing l-r: Jane Elliot (Lavery) #85, Joan Thomson #112, Mary McGinn (Gibbons) #99, Liz Kerr (Balfour) #104, Linda McDowall (Hawey) #110, Lorraine Caw-Gearing (Caw) #111, Margaret Black (Coats) #98, Susan Mosher (McCafferty) #107, Mary Ann Cosgrove #100, Mary Biggins #86, Caroline Downie #113, Alexandra (Sandra) Frame (Trainer) #109

Seated l-r: Agnes O’Brien #54 Coach, Patricia (Pat) Brown Delegate, Moira Ord MBE #41 Head of Delegation, Anne Marie Daly Umpire, Fiona Booth (McKain) Manager

 

Action shots from the tournament

 

Scotland vs Singapore – GK Alexandra (Sandra) Frame (Trainer), GD Caroline Downie

Scotland vs Wales – GK Alexandra (Sandra) Frame (Trainer), GD Margaret Black (Coats)

Scotland vs Singapore – “Smiling Tigress” GS Jane Elliot (Lavery), WA Liz Kerr (Balfour). Image courtesy of The Straits Times

 

Click here to watch clips of the 1983 Opening Ceremony, Scotland vs Australia, and Scotland vs Trinidad & Tobago

 

1987 7^th World Cup Glasgow

1987 squad

Back row l-r: Anne Marie Daly Umpire, Elizabeth (Liz) Taylor Physio, Liz Kerr (Balfour) #104, Mary Ann Cosgrove #100, Joan Thomson #112, Alexandra (Sandra) Frame (Trainer) #109, Caroline Downie #113, Sharyn Lyon (English) #119, Agnes O’Brien #54 Coach, Maggie Murray Manager

Front row l-r: Sandra MacIntyre (Robertson) #114, Kathleen Black #116, Linda McDowall (Hawey) #110, Lorraine Caw-Gearing (Caw) #111, Susan Mosher (McCafferty) #107, Ladonnia Hardie (Boale) #118

 

Action shots from the tournament

Scotland vs Bermuda – C Susan Mosher (McCafferty), GA Liz Kerr (Balfour)

Scotland vs Barbados – GK Alexandra (Sandra) Frame (Trainer), GD Caroline Downie, WD Joan Thomson, C Susan Mosher (McCafferty)

Scotland vs England – GK Alexandra (Sandra) Frame (Trainer), GD Caroline Downie

Scotland vs New Zealand – GS Sharyn Lyon (English), WD Kathleen Black. Image courtesy of Bill Clark

Scotland vs Eire WA Mary Ann Cosgrove, GS Sandra MacIntyre (Robertson), GA Liz Kerr (Balfour), C Susan Mosher (McCafferty). Image courtesy of Bill Clark

Scotland vs England GS Sandra MacIntyre (Robertson), WA Lorraine Caw-Gearing (Caw), GD Caroline Downie. Image courtesy of Bill Clark

 

Click here to see the full match of Scotland vs Wales at the 1987 Word Cup with Scotland winning 43 goals to 26.

 

Scotland also competed at the World Games in London (1985) and Karlsruhe (1989), and took part in a series of regular internationals against fellow Home Nations rivals, further sharpening their competitive edge. While the decade did not feature competitive overseas tours, a valuable training tour to Australia in 1987 gave the Thistles crucial preparation ahead of their World Cup campaign.

 

Scottish netball rising star Sharyn Lyon (English) headed to Australia not only to take part in the tour to Australia but also to sit her Higher English exam—12,000 miles from home. The 17-year-old became one the youngest ever to represent Scotland and managed to juggle training and exams during the three-week tour Down Under. She passed!

 

    

Sharyn Lyon (English) practising for her Highers exam before the tour to Australia and featured in the local newspaper

Newspaper clipping courtesy of Daily Paisley Express

 

Images from the 1987 tour to Australia

Some of the squad leaving Glasgow – l-r: Alexandra  (Sandra) Frame (Trainer) #109, Geraldine McGuire, Caroline Downie #113, Susan Mosher (McCafferty) #107, Elaine Collins #117, Linda McDowall (Hawey) #110, Liz Kerr (Balfour) #104, Sandra MacIntyre (Robertson) #114, Sharyn Lyon (English) #119, Mary Ann Cosgrove #100, Ladonnia Hardie (Boale) #118

Squad line up in waterproofs, probably not used very much in Australia!

Squad shot in training tops

 

A Challenging Time for the Game

While the 1980s saw Scotland competing on the world stage, it was also a difficult period for the sport at home. Grassroots netball faced significant setbacks, particularly due to the impact of teachers’ strikes, which disrupted school sport across the country.

 

Reflecting on this in 2025, former player Lynne Last, pictured here in the 1995 World Cup 5 squad official photo, shared:

 

“I’m proud to have played through some of our darkest years. Netball — like boys’ football — came to a halt for many young people during the 80s because of the teachers’ strikes. With no leagues or school competition, there was no clear path for junior players to develop. The impact was felt for years — particularly after 1992, when many of the open squad players retired. It was awful at the time, and it took a long time to rebuild grassroots sport in Scotland. I’m eternally grateful to the few teachers who defied the work-to-rule and continued to coach us — they kept the flame alive.”

Despite the challenges, this generation’s determination and the quiet heroism of dedicated volunteers helped keep the sport going through difficult times — ensuring that, eventually, netball in Scotland would begin to flourish again.

 

Battles Won and Lost

Across the decade, Scotland won 24 matches, with standout victories against Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales, Malaysia, Singapore, Bermuda, Canada, and Fiji.

But it was not without challenges. The Thistles faced powerful opponents like England, New Zealand, and Australia, recording 37 losses but learning invaluable lessons from each encounter. A particularly fierce contest against England in 1980 saw Scotland score 39 goals — their highest losing score of the decade — falling just six goals short of a remarkable upset.

Throughout the 1980s, Scotland scored a total of 1,816 goals, averaging 29.3 goals per match, while conceding 2,371 goals to the opposition.

 

Scotland squad at Central Station, Glasgow departing for their notable match against England 28 June 1980. This was also Marie Fairie’s final game for Scotland.

Back row l-r: Emelia Calder #106, Elizabeth Ann (Fan) Hutchison (Church) #73 Coach, Ann Duff (Murphy) #96, Margaret Reid (Dolan) #97, Marie Fairie #59, Betty Denney (Stone) #93, Liz Kerr Umpire

Front row l-r: Moira Ord MBE #41 President, Joan Hughes #80, Jane Hughes #81, Marie McDade #89, Clare Martis (McCormick) #105, Frances McGarry (McFarlane) #78

 

Match programme for Scotland vs Wales match, May 1983

Courtesy of Fiona Booth

 

Invitation from the Lord Provost to attend a dinner in the City Chambers, Glasgow during the 5 Nations Netball Tournament, March 1985

Courtesy of Linda Hawey

 

Match programme for Scotland vs New Zealand match, July 1985

Courtesy of Linda Hawey

 

Leading from the Front: Players and Captains

The Thistles were led by a remarkable group of athletes throughout the 1980s, many of whom left a lasting legacy through both their performance and leadership. During this decade Susan Mosher (McCafferty) #107, earned 53 caps, captained the side on 30 occasions and was a driving force on and off the court. Alexandra (Sandra) Frame (Trainer) #109 brought strength and consistency to the team, earning 49 caps and captaining Scotland 8 times. Janie Elliot (Lavery) #85, concluded her international playing career during the decade, finished with 47 caps, having captained the Thistles 14 times — a respected leader and competitor who played a key role during a pivotal era for Scottish Netball.

 

Other players who left their mark with 30 or more caps in the 80s included:

 

• Liz Kerr (Balfour) #104
• Lorraine Caw-Gearing (Caw) #111
• Caroline Downie #113
• Sandra McIntyre (Robertson) #114

 

The 80s also marked the end of an era as Marie Fairie #59 brought her 14-year international career to a close in 1980. Amassing 69 caps and captaining Scotland 61 times, Marie’s passion, dedication and leadership inspired countless players to believe in themselves and push their limits.

 

Memories from the Court

Reflecting on her proudest moments, Susan Mosher (McCafferty) #107 recalled the magic of Singapore 1983:
“It was amazing to take sixth place at the World Tournament — something I’ll always remember. But leading the team out at the World Cup in Glasgow, in front of our supporters, was priceless — even in the rain!”

Susan Mosher (McCafferty) #107 leading the squad out at Glasgow 1987

Courtesy of Ian Anthony

 

For Marie Fairie #59, being selected for the national team for the very first time remained her proudest memory:
“I didn’t have any confidence at the trials, but thanks to my teachers Kathleen McGinley and Moira Ord MBE, and a lot of hard work — from weight training to boxing — I made it. That moment changed everything for me.”

Marie Fairie #59 leading out the team at the 1971 World Cup

 

Coaching the Thistles

The decade also saw a number of talented coaches guide the Scottish Thistles:

• Agnes O’Brien #54 (44 matches)
• Anne Clark (McNelis) #84 (9 matches)
• Marie Fairie #59 (6 matches)
• Moira Ord MBE #41 (2 matches)
• Elizabeth Ann (Fan) Hutchison (Church) #73 (1 match)

 

Their collective wisdom and leadership helped nurture a generation of players ready to meet the world stage.

Scotland bench at 1987 WC Glasgow. Coach Agnes O’Brien #54 far right, is holding her own in front of the England fans.

 

Officiating and Leadership

Scottish umpires included:

Anne Marie Daley – 42 matches plus games at the World games 1985, 6^th World Cup 1983 and 7^th World Cup 1987

Margaret (Maggie) Clark – 6 games plus games at the World Games in 1989 In Karlsruhe

Nancy Gear – 4 games

Irys Giles, Agnes Bell and Liz Kerr – 1 game each

 

Leadership Behind the Scenes

Meanwhile, organisational leadership remained strong throughout the 1980s, with Presidents Moira Ord MBE #41, Denise Hepburn (Neilson) #79, and Patricia (Pat) Brown guiding Scottish Netball through a period of intense activity and transformation. They were supported by a dedicated group of Secretaries — Anne Stoddart, Anna Sermanni, Elma Devine, and Morag Lamont — who kept the wheels turning during some of the sport’s most demanding years.

 

One of the most significant achievements of the decade was the successful bid to host the 1987 World Cup in Glasgow — a monumental undertaking for the team in Scotland. This historic moment was masterminded by Moira Ord MBE #41, who, upon the tournament being awarded to Glasgow, became President of World Netball. She was joined by Elma Devine, who served as Secretary, and Pat Devine, the Treasurer. Together, this core group of committed volunteers ran World Netball for four years — all while another team of volunteers kept Scottish Netball running at home and ultimately delivered a full-scale World Cup tournament.

 

The 1987 Glasgow World Cup became a landmark moment in netball history — not only was it the last World Cup to be wholly managed and delivered by volunteers, but it was also the last to be played on outdoor courts. The dedication, organisation, and unwavering belief of those involved left a legacy that continues to inspire to this day.

 

More on how the 1987 World Cup came to Glasgow is currently being developed and will be shared soon.

 

A Decade Remembered

The 1980s were a decade of growth, challenge, and remarkable pride for Scottish Netball. Through thrilling victories, tough lessons, and unforgettable memories, the Scottish Thistles strengthened their place in the global game — leaving a legacy that continues to inspire today.

 

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1990-1999

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2020-2029