Juniors - Season 2008-2009

Thurso Junior Club Championships - 26/06/09

U19 plate winner (left) & U19 winner

Thurso Squash Club's Junior section has hit a high with approximately 40 to 50 keen new members trying out the sport on Friday nights after school.

The plaudits for this insurgence to the club can only be put down to the recruitment drive and dedication of junior coach, Ian Adamson. His enthusiasm, drive, patience and energetic influence on the youngsters has flourished virtual struggling starters into competent and eager players, in a short space of time.

This was no more apparent than at the recent Thurso Squash Club Junior championships, where the youngsters' talents were on show for everyone to see.

The Under 15 boys' final was a family affair with Gary & Liam Beales going against each other.

Gary is slightly older than Liam, has a little more experience with performances for the Under 15 Scottish side under his belt and managed to just pip the youngster. But, with Liam gradually improving with every performance there will definitely be a fight for the top bunk, soon.

U15 winner (left) & runner-up

The Under 15 girls' event was held earlier in the season with Eilidh Paterson beating Amelia Mackay.

Youngster, Jamie Henderson is proving tough to beat in the senior sections of county squash and added his name to the Under 19 boys' event trophy. Everything didn't go his own way, though with finalist, Gary Beales, fresh from winning the Under 15 title, pushing him strongly in stages of the contest.

The Under 19 girls' plate competition placed Lucy Owen and Caroline Hay in a tight tussle. On this occasion, it was Lucy who held it together and had the edge to win this contest.

The Under 19 girls' final brought together Sarah Mackinnon and Charleen Banks, in a final that everyone wanted to see.

Like the other girls, this is their debut season playing squash but they have just managed to edge the rest and with this being their first final, top of the pile seedings were up for grabs.

Sarah came out of the blocks fastest and took the first set by producing some clinical and powerful finishes that Charleen found difficult to control.

U15 winner (left) & Under 19 winner

After a quick break Charleen found her feet, began to dominate the court and made Sarah do all the retrieving. Following a series of long and tight rallies the match was tied at 8 points all and went into a tie-break situation.

Both girls found it difficult to grab the final couple of points in the set but Sarah just had the extra fitness to produce vital openings and lift the title, 2 sets to nil.

An excellent final and finish to a good night of squash that was played in good spirits.

Congratulations to all who took part and look forward to seeing them improve in the seasons to come.

Results

• Under 15 Boys - Gary Beales beat Liam Beales
• Under 15 Girls - Eilidh Paterson beat Amelia Paterson
• Under 19 Boys - Jamie Henderson beat Gary Beales
• Under 19 Girls - Sarah MacKinnon beat Charleen Banks
  • Under 19 Girls' plate - Lucy Owen beat Caroline Hay

ALL winners and runners-up with Coach, Ian Adamson (back, second right).

ALL Junior competitors.

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