Precision Blinds Tankard - Season 2008-2009

Contents:- Pb2- Mark keeps improving for win -|- Pb1-Stuart reaches everything-

Mark keeps improving for win - 16/05/09

L to R:- Alistair Miller & winner, Mark Mackay

It was decided to keep the Thurso Squash Club calendar rolling over the quiet summer period with an extra handicap tournament, Precision Blinds Limited Trophy, to keep everyone interested and fit for the up-and-coming new season.

A good number of fourteen players made themselves available on the day and produced an excellent display of squash.

After a series of long and hard stages, the final brought together Mark Mackay (-35), who disposed of Jamie Henderson and Stuart Sutherland; and Alistair Miller (-42) beating Donald Pollard, Jane Grant and Michelle Cowie, respectively.

Alistair is the more experienced player but, with the ever improving Mark holding a seven point start, it was always going to be difficult to pull back the deficit in this best of three match.

Even so, Alistair managed to claw his way back but, a decisive last ditched drop shot from Mark claimed the first set 15 points to 13.

Due to the effort and determination used in previous rounds, both players would've been happy to end this contest in two sets. On this, it was Mark who lead the way and managed to lift the trophy with his fast pace, finishing and reach around the court, with a few points to spare.

The plate trophy was contested by Donald Pollard (-42) and Davie Swanson (-48).

Donald has always been known as a 'colourful' character as soon he steps onto the court and, on this occasion, he continued to be consistent and certainly never let the crowd and official down.

It was all to play for in the final set with the match balanced at one set all.

With a six point lead to start, Donald edged further ahead with some clinical finishing and looked like securing the Plate trophy with ease. But, Davie plugged away and eventually managed to reduce the deficit to 14-12 in Donald's favour.

The final couple of points were to elude Davie and a 'school boy' error handed the trophy to Donald, in a tiring contest.

Well done to everyone who took part and look forward to seeing more entrants in next months event.

Some of the winners, runners-up and spectators

Stuart reaches everything and the trophy - 13/09/08

L to R:- Winner, Stuart Sutherland & Donald Pollard

Thurso Squash Club's 2008-2009 season sprung into life with it's opening tournament attracting a healthy number of competitors for the Precision Blinds Limited handicapped one day event.

Current holders of the main and plate trophies, Donald Pollard and Mairi Vines, respectively - were in no charitable mood to loose grip of the silverware and continued to reach the finals, once again.

On this occasion, Donald faced the 'elastic' figure of Stuart Sutherland who is renowned for his fantastic reach, return of shot and general all-round play which frustrates any of his opponents.

With a difference of 10 points in Stuart's favour, it was always going to be tough to retrieve this sum but Donald battled and came close, until Stuart stepped up a gear and went onto just pinch the first game.

L to R:- Plate Winner, Mairi Vines & Stephen Craigie

After a brief breather and time to assess the situation, Donald started the second game resolutely but Stuart continued with his fine form from the first game, retrieved a high percentage of Donald's driving shots and went on to, deservedly, lift the first trophy of the season.

With Stuart in this fine form, he is definitely someone to look out for in the coming seasons' scratch/open events.

The plate trophy remained in the hands of Mairi Vines, who managed to just pip new member, Stephen Craigie in a tough plate final.

Mairi played 'out of her skin' all day, produced some fine performances against stronger opponents and is continually improving.

Congratulations to all who took part and look forward to seeing the standard continue to rise over the coming season.

Some of the winners, runners-up and spectators

End-of-Document