Yell Open - Season 2008-2009 - 10 & 11/04/09

Mixed Doubles' winners - Colin Grant & Ann Wood. more photos below

Aaahhh, Yell.....  Well, Hell, Yell....  As remote as you are, many a person has left your midst uttering those immortal words, 'that's my last year...' - but, there is always something that wants us to travel back and wallow in the delights of your beauty, friendliness and homely surroundings.

Will we all be back???

Occchhh, better start speaking about the Badminton now.....!!!!!

With this being the 20th year of the Yell Open, competition was tough and competitors had to be at their best to pickup the prized possessions.

The first title to be contested was the Ladies' singles event between Carole Mowat, Caithness and Shona Keith, Shetland.

The pair have contested this title in the past with Shona coming out the victor and this played on Carole's mind before the start of the match.

After a brief chat and some colourful comments, which more-or-less added up to, 'sort yer head oot...!!!' - Carole went onto win the title by 2 games to 1 - showing some tidy and experienced shots that Shona had trouble dealing with and clearing.

Mark Mackay, Caithness managed to regain his Mens' Singles title by beating Gordon Keith in the semi-finals and then moved onto his twin, Graham, in the final.

Ladies Doubles' winners -
Zoe Anderson & Morag Fox.

Experienced competitor, Ann Wood decided to partner the ever improving youngster, Diana Jamieson in this seasons Ladies' Doubles event. But, they were up against a tough task with Zoe Anderson and Morag Fox probably the favourites to lift the title.

The bookies would've been happy on this one, as the favourites managed to win but not without a battle from Ann & Diana. Long rallies and great retrieving was the order of the day but Zoe & Morag were worthy winners of this title.

The Caithness pairing of Mark Mackay & Sam Campbell could not repeat their Inter County result versus Jason Jamieson & Colin Grant, leaving the latter to battle against their island counterparts, twins, Graham and Gordon Keith.

This was to be a hard hitting encounter with all players seeming to prefer the back of the court and playing safe - rather than use a 'dink' over the net.

After some long rallies, it was the Twins who played the better game, forced their opponents into simple errors that they would usually handle and lifted the title 2 games to 0.

Mark Mackay & Casey Sangster, Caithness were up against Colin Grant & Ann Wood, Shetland in the final of the Mixed Doubles.

After a tough few days of badminton, this was to be the final chance for the pairings to lift a piece of silverware.

On this occasion, it was to be the Shetland couple who just pinched the title, after a worthy battle from the Caithness pairing.

Yell Dinner Dances and house parties (Mike Guthrie and family house) are special events after the badminton and this years proved to be no different.

After an excellent meal, one course, a tasty curry provided by chunky boat man, Owen Strachan, it was onto the speeches.

Our local speechmaker, Ratter-Tup surpassed his usual garble and provided the appreciative audience with a 'set of funnies' reminiscent to famous comedians, Cannon and Ball, Little and Large and the legendary, Jimmy Tarbuck. So much so, that a bucket had to be provided for a couple of laughers, who were brought to tears!!!

Congratulations to Yell organisers and committee for continuing to make this event one not to miss, the Guthries for their house party and everyone else for just being there and part of an emotional event. Orcadians, you missed another cracker...!!!

Answering the above question, 'Will we all be back???' If this trip is anything to go by, the answer would probably be, 'Yes...???'.

Catch ye...

Results

• Ladies Singles - Carole Mowat beat Shona Keith
• Mens Singles - Mark Mackay beat Graham Keith
• Ladies Doubles - Zoe Anderson & Morag Fox beat Ann Wood & Diana Jamieson
• Mens Doubles - Graham & Gordon Keith beat Colin Grant & Jason Jamieson
• Mixed Doubles - Colin Grant & Ann Wood beat Mark Mackay & Casey Sangster

Photos

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