County Open Championships - 19&20/03/05

Wick Squash Club was the venue for this years Caithness County Open. Disappointingly, a good number of usual entrants didn't appear into the tournament, from both east and west, as they decided not to travel the distance to take part in this prestigious event, leaving the numbers considerably lower than other years. But, with trophies up for grabs there was still a good atmosphere and drive to lift the silverware.

The Men's final went as the seedings predicted with Colin Paterson (1) and Andrew 'Sniff' Robertson (2) battling each other in the final. Previously, in the semi's, both players ousted Lewis Brunton (Colin) and Davie Swanson to secure their places in the showcase tie of the weekend.

The first three games consisted of long rallies which seemed to be the preferred style of play for the slightly fitter, at the moment, Sniff - and allowed him to go two sets to one up leaving him with thoughts of standing on the podium of his home town, for the first time, with a county open winners trophy to show his family and friends. But no......... What happened next only happens in comic strips like, 'Billy's Boots *'. As if by magic, fate, whatever you want to call it - a string broke in Colin's new Head racket making him retire to the changing room and retrieve his, 'multi-coloured, old faithful, magic wand, Prince racket' which seemed to mesmerise, Sniff and spur the Ayrshire lad, by playing a precise and slower game, eventually winning the last two games - love and love. It was with great glee that the slender lad punched the air to lift the trophy, once again, to the delight of his watching wife.

Donald Durrand managed to beat Brian Farmer, 3-0 in the Men's Plate Final but to Brian's credit he played some excellent boasts and didn't allow Donald to stroll away with the plate.

It was straight to the final in the Ladies competition. Jane Cormack and Carole Mowat were the only two entries, this year but they gave it their all and produced a good match.  Jane was always the slightly stronger and favourite to lift the trophy but Carole is beginning to mix her game up well and use the deep back corners of the court, rather than just the front nicks, making Jane stretch for all her points. Eventually, after a series of long rallies, Carole ran out of, 'pith' and Jane took the trophy home with her.

The Veterans' event was in the same mood as the Ladies contest, as it went straight to the final. Willie 'Happy' Jappy played against James Georgeson, and was always going to be a battle at the front of the court.

Willie took the initial lead by going one set up and continued this effort by taking the first few points of the second. After a few interesting confrontations with the referee, Willie lost his confidence and allowed James the incentive to push for the winning points. Loud outbursts in the last few points from the Happy Man, proved to do nothing to help his cause and James won the first trophy of the day to go to Latheron.

The up-and-coming John Georgeson played his Wick counterpart, Greig Shearer - in the final of the Junior event. A good tussle ensued and showed that the County has a good breed of youngsters on the way through. John had better consistency and ran his opponent ragged, on occasions, allowing him to make his dad proud, James and start a glittering career in the county squash setup. In Greig's defence, he has only just come back to playing and should continue on his performances, this weekend.

* - For the ladies. Billy's Boots was a comic strip when a young lad wore 'old football boots', and performed brilliant skills scoring loads of goals.

Results

• Mens Final - Colin Paterson beat Andrew Robertson - 3-2
  • Plate - Donald Durrand beat Brian Farmer - 3-0
• Ladies Final - Jane Cormack beat Carole Mowat - 3-0
• Veterans Final - James Georgeson beat Willie Jappy - 3-1
• Juniors Final - John Georgeson beat Greig Shearer - 3-1
  • Plate - Craig Gardner beat ??? - 3-0

Photos

ALL Winners and Runners-Up of the County Open
	Who is this with hair and wearing pink...???

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