UKAEA Handicap - Season 2001-2002

Pauline & Carole secure a 'girlie' weekend

THE first annual handicap tournament of the season got off to a flyer recently at the Thurso & District Squash Club with a huge turnout.

L to R:- Colin Paterson, Pauline Gunn, Guy Owen, Carole Mowat, Jim Sangster

Sandy Stewart, the club chairman said that with almost 50 names entered he could not, in the entire history of the club, remember there ever having been so many entries to a competition.

The tournament is set up in such a way that it is possible for any of the entrants to win. There is also a second competition known as the 'Plate' for the first round losers. This ensures that everyone entering will get at least two games.

Afer the preliminary rounds the semi-finals in both competitions were hard fought matches. In the main competition Duncan Ralph was defeated by the current club and county champion Colin Paterson while Pauline Gunn got the better of the club junior champion Martin Cook.

This set up a memorable final between Colin and Pauline.

Colin, playing off an incredible minus 55, saved 40 game points to take the first game of the final by 15 to 14. Pauline, playing off plus 10, squared the match in the second. The final and deciding set produced some classic squash with Colin chasing everything and Pauline using her racket frame as well as the strings. This tactic was a good one as she managed to get the points required to take the match and become the UKAEA Challenge Cup champion.

In the 'Plate' competition the finals were between Jim Sangster and Andy Smith with Jim showing that his game is improving the more he plays leaving Andy to think about trying again next year. The second sem-final was an all-female event between Carole Mowat and Linda Sinclair. Carole's experience and super finishing ensured her place was booked in the final.

After the punishing games of the weekend the large crowd of spectators wondered if Jim or Carole would have enough energy left in the tank. This is where Carole proved to be the better. With a certain degree of stamina in reserve she played some terrific squash and covered the court well, going on to become the well-deserved UKAEA Plate winner.

report and picture from J'O'G

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