County Open Championships - Season 2006-2007 - 17&18/03/07

James Henderson, centre hands the Ladies trophy to Carole Mowat. Andrew Bremner, Mens champion - second right and Ian Adamson, mens runner-up look on.

A smaller than usual contingent of players contested for various trophies in the Caithness County Squash Championships held in Wick Squash Club.

The main Mens trophy went as the seedings suggested with Andrew Bremner (1) up against Ian Adamson (2). The two players cruised into the finals with victories over Chris Taylor (Funky) and Davie Swanson, respectively in the semi-finals.

Andrew managed to grab an early lead in the first set but the ex 'Rubber-bumper', Ian composed himself, started playing with the style and pinash he is renowned for by stroking the ball swiftly around the court, finding great length and neat drop shots to salvage the first set.

The second set started in the same fashion with Andrew powering away with a large lead, 7-1 which seemed untouchable for the small strawberry blonde to retrieve. This he did, though leaving Andrew feeling a touch bewildered at why he hadn't flushed this game away. But, with all his best efforts, Ian couldn't finish off the tie-break situation leaving the match at 1-1.

Following a brief break, fatigue had set in with 'Casper' and it would be himself and not the ball that would be 'hitting the wall' (marathon terms) in the final two sets, allowing worthy winner, Andrew to stroll onto lift the prestigious trophy for the second year in-a-row.

This was a great effort by recently named, Father Adamson against the county number 1 but Andrew continues to be just that bit stronger and physically fit compared to the rest of the on-rushing pack.

The ladies title was won by the now Veteran, Carole Mowat who turned to that 'knee cracking' age of 35 on the day of the final. Her opponent was up-and-coming starlet, Donna 'Goldie' Majilton who was desperate to place her name on the silverware.

Donna cruised to an early lead and won the first set with ease leaving the 'animal lover (Vet)' unsure what was going to hit her next. After some deep breathes, gallons of water and the last of the Vodka releasing itself from Carly's body from the birthday party the night before, it was business as usual and no stopping.

She continued to play the style that the crowd is accustomed to leaving Goldie with little chance of reaching the tight nic shots and finally finished off a 3-1 winner.

It became very evident why young teenager, Liam Crombie is powering his way up the rankings in both Caithness and Scotland, in this weekends competitions. Although going out in the main Mens tournament against experienced, Martyn 'Always on time - Stallion' Cook he showed glimpses of what to look out for in the Mens plate and U19 finals. His unfortunate opponent was John Georgeson who battled tirelessly to thwart the youngsters dominance but on this occasion, Liam had too many shots for John to deal with and lifted both trophies.

James Georgeson and Willie Jappy battled, harassed and provided amazing shots for Men of their age to win the Veterans trophy. After five tight sets which ebbed and flowed it was James who just had the upper hand over Willie to lift the trophy.

The juniors battled it out throughout the weekend but Gavin Majilton was just too strong for the younger, Marc Nicolson in the Under 19 plate. Marc had a second go at winning a title in the Under 15's but Thurso's ever improving, Jamie Henderson proved too strong and he had to settle for the runners-up trophy. The final junior trophy went to Mark Peter Nicolson who triumphed over Stephanie Campbell in the Under 15 plate final.

Best wishes should go to Marc Nicolson's twin brother, a fellow Tim, as he suffered an unfortunate accident over the weekend spell which forced him to be shipped to Raigmore Hospital, Inverness to cure a broken hip. All the best little chillieeeee and I'm sure we will see you back on the courts very soon.

Thank you to Wick for hosting the tournament, all referees - which is a thank-less job (and hassle, sometimes) and everyone else for making it an enjoyable weekend.

Results

• Mens Final - Andrew Bremner beat Ian Adamson - 3-1
  • Plate - Liam Crombie beat John Georgeson - 3-0
• Ladies Final - Carole Mowat beat Donna Majilton - 3-1
• Veterans Final - James Georgeson beat Willie Jappy - 3-2
• Under 19 Junior Final - Liam Crombie beat John Georgeson - 3-0
  • Plate - Gavin Majilton beat Marc Nicolson
• Under 15 Junior Final - Jamie Henderson beat Marc Nicolson - 3-0
  • Plate - Mark Peter Nicolson beat Stephanie Campbell

Photos

ALL Winners and Runners-Up of the County Open

Mens Final - Ian Adamson v Andrew Bremner	Both men battle for possession at the front of the court.
Ladies Final - Carole Mowat v Donna Majilton	Donna manages to make Carole stretch.
Mens Plate & Under 19 finalists Liam Crombie v John Georgeson	John clearing himself from trouble.
Veterans Final - James Georgeson v Willie Jappy	Willie produces a fantastic drop shot from this angle.
Under 15 final - Marc Nicolson v Jamie Henderson	Jamie plays it too tight for Marc to produce anything.
Mens plate semi-final Stuart Sutherland pushes John.

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