Invitation Tournament - Season 2008-2009 - 06&07/03/09

Double Winners - Sandra, Mark & Carolyn

It was not to be one of the largest entries in the CBA Invitation events' history but great to see an entourage of keen players from Edinburgh, Rosshire, Orkney and Caithness travelling for this acclaimed tournament sponsored by Dounreay Communities Fund, W&A Geddes, JGC Engineering & Technical Services, Precision Blinds Ltd, Jacobs Babtie and Jim Sangster, Plumbing & Electrical.

It had been a few years since long serving competitor, Carolyn Young (Edinburgh) had lifted the Ladies' Singles title and she was not to be outdone on this occasion.

Current holder, Carole Mowat was slightly out of sorts and Carolyn capitalised on this to safely return home with the trophy.

Mark Mackay remained the Mens' Singles holder with a comprehensive victory over hard hitting youngster, Paul Carrie from Rosshire.

The Caithness partnership of Casey Sangster and Carole Mowat battled well to knockout Edinburgh pairing, Kim Atkinson and Lindsay Robertson (Edinburgh) in the semi-finals of the Ladies Doubles, which is becoming a regular matchup that the crowds flock to watch.

But, the strength and knowledge from Sandra Watt and Carolyn Young (Edinburgh) proved too much for any of the ladies' couples to compete with, giving them the trophy and Carolyn a double success.

Kim & Calvin

It's rare that when Mark Mackay and John Durrand (Caithness) pair up together in the Mens Doubles that they don't win. This was to be no different as the two proved too powerful and skilful for their competitors, and romped home to the finishing line.

Over the weekend, it was the Mixed Doubles' event which brought the most competition and unknown partnerships were constructed with varying results.

The obvious 'unknowns' were Eoin 'Onion' Ballantyne (Orkney) and Sandra Watt (Edinburgh) who blazed their way to glory, giving Sandra a double success and Onion a dream win over his nemesis, Mark Mackay.

Once again, great to see everyone attending this event and hope to see you ALL next season, as it will be the 10th year of eBiGH.com.

Congratulations to Casey and her squad for the organisation throughout the weekend; Royal Hotel for the buffet and dance and; the band for their excellent music, which continued until the early hours at the house party. Rock and Roll Stars....

Always worth a mention, regular entrant and Edinburgh tour operator, Keith Donald was due to take part in the weekends activities but succumbed, to what can only be described, keeping it short, as a 'groin strain'. The fact that he arrived from the Auld Reekie on Friday with a much higher percentage of female participants than male, was never brought into the equation!!!

A wee Magners advert by Benji!

It should also be pointed out that during the dance, he could be found - as the kids like to say - 'bustin' and grindin' his moves on the dancefloor, on the dancefloor, yeah...!!!'. Take from that what you wish?

Oh aye..... A final mention should be given to the newly formed two piece band who played a short set during the dance interval. Although the majority of the audience had retired to the bar, the remaining occupants were treated to an impromptu piece of musical excellence that will lie in their hearts forever...!!! LOL (bl**dy text phrases)

Currently, this band has no name - and a prize will be given to the person with the best suggestion. Click the 'EMail button' above and send in your suggestions.

Catch ye.....

Results:-

• Ladies Singles - Carolyn Young, Edinburgh
  • Plate - Jane Grant, Caithness
• Mens Singles - Mark Mackay, Caithness
  • Plate - Abdul Mkith, Caithness
• Ladies Doubles - Carolyn Young & Sandra Watt, Edinburgh
  • Plate - Jill Gunn & Pauline Gunn, Caithness
• Mens Doubles - Mark Mackay & John Durrand, Caithness
  • Plate - Ian Nicolson & Thomas Sutherland, Caithness
• Mixed Doubles - Eoin Ballantyne, Orkney & Sandra Watt, Edinburgh
  • Plate - Calvin Reid, Orkney & Kim Atkinson, Edinburgh

Photos

Fox & Kim

Ross & Carolyn

Mark & Jill v Paul & Lyndsay

Sam & Pam v Onion & Sandra

John & Carole v Onion & Sandra

Thomas & Donna v Ryan & Bronwyn

Casey tells Jim what he's doing and Ewan is not sure what to say, for once...!!!

End-of-Document