Ortak Open - Season 2004-2005 - 05&06/11/04

A nine strong contingent from Caithness travelled across the Firth to perform in the Ortak Open, which was this year held in Kirkwall Grammar School. A number of key players from Shetland also joined in on the action to practice for next years Island Games, in Lerwick, Shetland.

Mark Mackay (Caithness) managed to perform his usual act of the treble, in this tournament, by winning the singles against Kevin Smith (Shetland), the mens doubles with James Henderson against Colin Grant and Kevin Smith (Shetland) and the mixed doubles with Carole Mowat versus Kevin Smith and Zoe Anderson.

The ladies singles had a poor entry with only three players from Shetland taking part. The Caithness ladies were unable to take part due to work and travel arrangements but it was an ex-Caithness lassie who lifted the title by beating her toughest competitor, Anne Wood.

The ladies doubles final provided a new partnership of Zoe Anderson (Shetland) and Kim Ganson (Orkney) versus Anne Wood & Suzanne Henderson (Shetland). Kim was slightly nervous about the situation but she had no need to be as she more than filled her boots against the other more experienced players.
Although, they lost out in the end, it was a very close encounter and went to the final set with a tight scoreline.

The Caithness ladies had to battle it out for the plate trophy and, eventually, the stronger partnership of Casey and Carole took the honours. This was a bit of a put down for the winners as, in the past, they have been consistent winners of the main trophy, against tough opposition. Is it time for a change of this partnership? Is everything going stale.....!!!!! Answers on a postcard, text, e:mail......

Thanks to Orkney for their hospitality, once again, and hope they continue to hold this tournament as it is an excellent start to the season and social event.

Photos

Mens Doubles Final - Bird & Mark (Caithness) v Colin & Kevin (Shetland)
Ross & Onion (Orkney) v Colin & Kevin (Shetland)
Ladies Doubles Final
Jane & Kirsty Grant (Caithness) v Elspeth & Vicky (Orkney)
Colin & Anne (Shetland) v Vicky & Onion (Orkney)
Steve & (Orkney) v Raz & Kirsty (Caithness)
Ross & Elspeth (Orkney) v Colin & Anne (Shetland)
KC & Trevor v Vicky & Onion
Mens Doubles' winners	Ladies Plate final competitors from Caithness
Orkney 1st round match goes to the limit	Caithness ladies plate final
1st rally + 1st pit stop + fake shoe lace tie = knackered.....	Fox and Cub in perfect harmony

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