Ross hails Buckie Ladies in House of Commons for historic cup win
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BUCKIE Ladies' historic cup final win has earned them praise in the House of Commons.
The team's nail-biting 3-1 penalty shootout win over Sutherland in the final of the Highlands and Islands Cup saw Buckie lift their first ever silverware just five years after being formed.
Their heroics have been lauded in parliament after Moray MP Douglas Ross – himself an experienced referee – used the weekly Business Questions to congratulate manager Mel Smith and the players.
He said that the club are a great success story for Buckie and Moray and also praised them for all that they do to promote women’s football in the area.
Leader of the House of Commons Mark Spencer MP joined Mr Ross in congratulating Buckie Ladies, while also sparing a thought for their opponents in a tight game, which finished 2-2 after extra time.
Mr Ross said he hopes Buckie Ladies can build on their success, with the current Euro 2022 tournament shows the current growth in women’s football across the country.
He continued: “I was pleased to have this opportunity to highlight the great success of Buckie Ladies FC in the House of Commons.
“This was a terrific achievement by Mel Smith and her group of players in winning the League Cup recently, especially given the pressure penalties always bring.
“Winning their first piece of silverware after only starting the club five years ago is testament to the work everyone involved with Buckie Ladies have done to build the club in such a short space of time.
“They are a real success story for the town and the whole of Moray and I wish them every success going forward.”
After having been recognised in the Scottish Parliament thanks to a motion from local MSP Karen Adam, news of the accolades from Westminster came as another pleasant surprise for Buckie Ladies manager Mel Smith.
She commented: "This was another surprise for us and we're all really chuffed to have been recognised in this way.
"We're all delighted and grateful to Douglas for thinking about us and mentioning Buckie Ladies in the House of Commons.
"A lot of people have worked hard and selflessly for the last five years to get us to where we are and it's wonderful that everyone's contributions are being highlighted in this way."
Buckie Ladies are set to resume their league campaign – they sit unbeaten on top of the table – on Sunday, August 14.
Mr Ross's question can be viewed at 11.53 at https://www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/
