Orkney Inter-County - Season 2005-2006

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Caithness win 'A' trophy but no joy for the 'B' - 11/02/06 (Away)

Benji Mackay - Caithness 'A' Team captain	Derek Manson - Orkney 'B' Team captain

Caithness 'A' team grabbed a dramatic win of the Inter-County trophy after a tight six-all draw in the first leg.

Thurso teenager Michelle Cowie played a starring role in clinching the trophy with Mark Mackay by winning the deciding game of the series.

A succession of tough three set matches kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. One of the closest being Benji Mackay and Jill Gunn versus Stuart Slater and Lynne Cursiter which went to the final point of the last set, in the Orkney pairing's favour.

A run of late call offs meant Caithness went into the 'B' match with several juniors being pitted against seniors. It was always going to be an uphill battle, even though they carried forward a 8-4 lead from the first leg.

The juniors all showed up well, with Thurso duo Debbie Stewart and Megan Ross scoring a straight sets win at third ladies and Dunnet youngster Steven Mackenzie teaming up with Veronica Begg to take second mixed.

These proved to be the visitors' only successes, though they were unlucky not to win any of the four games that went to three sets.

Debbie Stewart was particularly unlucky not to win both her games as she and Wick partner Abdul Mkith had match points in their games at sixth mixed.

Congratulations to both winning teams and all the best for next season.

Scoresheets

'A' Team RESULT - CAITHNESS 7 (13) - (11) 5 ORKNEY

'B' Team RESULT - CAITHNESS 2 (10) - (14) 10 ORKNEY

Away Photos

Caithness 'B' team - picture from Chris Nicolson

Pher Nicolson & Abdul Mkith v G Nicolson & R Miller

Andy Nicolson & Lyndsey Coghill v D Manson & G Bremner

Lyndsey Coghill & Veronica Begg v K Sclater & L Gray

Benji Mackay & Ian Nicolson v Stuart Slater & Trevor Kinghorn - in the background Michelle Cowie & Jill Gunn v Kath Bremner & Lynne Cursiter

Benji Mackay & Jill Gunn v Stuart Slater & Lynne Cursiter Sam in the background testing the shuttles

John Durrand & Carole Mowat v Calvin Reid & Elaine Gray

Pher Nicolson & Megan Ross v R Miller & I Sclater

Carole Mowat & Casey Sangster v Elaine Gray & Moira Nicolson

Sam Campbell & Casey Sangster v Trevor Kinghorn & Moira Nicolson

Abdul Mkith & Debbie Stewart v G Nicolson & H Jenkins

Debbie Stewart & Megan Ross v H Jenkins & I Sclater

James Henderson & Jane Grant v Eoin Ballantyne & Elspeth McLennan

James Henderson & Sam Campbell v R Bailley & Calvin Reid

Mark Jones & Pauline Gunn v Marty Flett & K Sclater

Mark Mackay & John Durrand v Eoin Ballantyne v Ross Groundwater Bonus bit of girl-on-girl action in the background.....

Mark Mackay & Michelle Cowie v Eoin Ballantyne & C West

Ian Nicolson & Pam Bain v R Bailley & Kath Bremner

Steven Mackenzie & Veronica Begg v S Harvey & Lisa Johnson

Calv takes a fall after a tough rally against Bird and Sam.

Work to do on Away trip - 03/12/05 (Home)

Caithness selectors had to make a few brave decisions in this first round tie of the 2005-2006 Orkney Inter-County match, hosted in Thurso Games Hall. A limited amount of training and selection nights were available due to freak weather conditions and key partnerships' availability to attend didn't help with ranking positions.

The Orkney 'A' team returned across the Firth with a smile on their faces having secured a draw, as it is always tougher to pick up points away from home.

Well done to Veronica Begg, who had two tough three set games, as she has just returned to the badminton arena after 'packin' a bairn out of herself'. The new youthful partnership of 'Ratter and Duran-Duran' expected a tough tie at first Mens but Orkney's number one Eoin Ballantyne was unable to travel due to severe stomach problems and their game ended up being slightly easier than anticipated but it was good to see the two coming together for future games.

The steady partnership of the Double C's (Casey & Carole) didn't disappoint, veteran pairing James & Sam made easy work of a tough Orkney pairing that would've expected more and Little & Large (Benji & Ian) continued with their impressive form in the leagues to lift a well deserved point for the team.

The Caithness 'B' side should be happy with their result as the team consisted of 8 under 18 players (juniors) and half of that number were debutants to the Inter-County scene, which is excellent for the coming years.

An unfortunate accident to young Little Janice (Louise Campbell) could've made the victory a little sweeter, as before the accident Megan Ross (debutant) and herself were coasting in their ladies match, only to have to forfeit the point. Thank you to Kimberly Doig for appearing as the replacement, at the last minute and we wish Louise all the best.

All the best to both teams in the return encounter and thanks to the Royal Hotel for the meal.

'A' Team RESULT - CAITHNESS 6 - 6 ORKNEY

'B' Team RESULT - CAITHNESS 8 - 4 ORKNEY

* - Louise Campbell injured in the ladies doubles. Kimberly Doig replaced her at 5th Mixed.

Home Photos

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