Juniors - Season 2007-2008

Kirkwall recently hosted the first Tri-County Junior squash match between Orkney, Shetland and Caithness. A total of 43 juniors took part over the weekend with Orkney v Shetland starting proceedings on Friday evening.

Teams were to be of 12 players but Shetland only had 10 so started 2 matches down. Orkney won all these matched by 3-0 except for Andrew Moars 3-2 win over Hannah Garrick, final score - Orkney won by 12-0 in matches (34-2 in games).

The 16 strong Caithness team travelled north on the Saturday morning Gills ferry and played Shetland in the afternoon. The first 10 of the experienced Caithness team all won their matches 3-0, so as Shetland still only had 10 players Caithness won 12-0 in matches (36-0 in games). The Caithness No.11 - 16 then played the No. 2, 4, 3, 5, 6 and 7 of Shetland respectfully, so everyone was able to take part in a match. All players acquitted themselves well with some on their very first outing representing their county.

The results are as follows:-

1. Jamie Henderson 3-0 Calvin Leask,
2. John Georgeson 3-0 James Spanswick,
3. Dexter Durrand 3-0 Kevin Moar,
4. Gavin Majilton 3-0 Hannah Garrick,
5. Liam Farquhar 3-0 Lauren Hogg,
6. Craig Nicolson 3-0 Jack Howarth,
7. Marc Nicolson 3-0 Patrick Nicol,
8. Mark Peter Nicolson 3-0 Leane Jamieson,
9. Fergas Richards 3-0 Sophie Kelman,
10. Kobe Sutherland 3-0 Abigail Kelman,
11. Gary Beales 3-0 James Spanswick,
12. Stephanie Campbell 0-3 Hannah Garrick,
13. Dylan Hutchison 3-1 Kevin Moar,
14. Mark McDougall 0-3 Lauren Hogg,
15. Liam Beales 2-3 Jack Howarth,
16. Amir Ahmed 2-3 Patrick Nicol.

Sunday morning saw the decider between Orkney and Caithness. This was a better balanced and more challenging encounter for all concerned with Caithness winning by 11-1 in matches (35-9 in games) to retain the Caithness - Orkney Inter County Junior Cup which they have held since 2002.

The results are as follows:-

1. Jamie Henderson 3-2 Mathew Wylie,
2. John Georgeson 3-1 Ethan Bews,
3. Dexter Durrand 3-2 Syed Taha,
4. Gavin Majilton 3-0 Andrew Moar,
5. Liam Farquhar 3-0 Chris Rendall,
6. Craig Nicolson 3-0 Erland Cowie,
7. Marc Nicolson 2-3 Kit Bichan,
8. Mark Peter Nicolson 3-0 Jane Hill,
9. Fergas Richards 3-1 Helen Faye,
10. Kobe Sutherland 3-0 Jamie Firth,
11. Gary Beales 3-0 Sarah Cowie,
12. Stephanie Campbell 3-0 Emma Rendall,
13. Dylan Hutchison 3-0 Ryan,
14. Mark McDougall 3-0 Joseph,
15. Liam Beales 3-0 Sweyn,
16. Amir Ahmed 3-0 Graeme.

The Caithness success is down to the experience they have gained playing on the Junior National Tour throughout 2006, 2007 and 2008. A few of these young players are on the fringe of being called up to represent Scotland at their respective age groups.

On Sunday afternoon all the players entered in a Handicapped Knockout Competition, which gives everyone an equal chance of winning. After 6 rounds of thrilling play this culminated in the final between Erland Cowie of Orkney (playing off 0) and Gary Beales of Caithness (playing off +3). Although Erland had age, size and strength on his side, Gary had more squash competition experience behind him and this helped him to a 2-1 victory.

A very successful and enjoyable weekend was had by one and all in which the hospitality of the Orcadians was fantastic. The hosts went out of their way to ensure everything ran smoothly and their guests were well looked after. Many thanks to Linda Hill, her family and Orkney Squash Club for their generosity and attention to detail. Well done to Billy Mycock and the Shetland team for travelling so far and being such a big part of the tournament, where the atmosphere was great all weekend long.

Without the help from parents and the generous private sponsorship from Mr David Munro, these competitions just would not happen. Davis and his wife Christine were very active in the Caithness squash circuit in the past and it is great to see him getting involved again. The Caithness Juniors wish to thank him whole heartedly for his help in making this trip such a success.

report and pictures provided by Donald Durrand

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