Taylor Handicap Trophy - Season 2008-2009 - 24&25/01/09

Finalists

Thurso Squash Club's opening tournament of 2009, the Taylor Handicap Trophy, brought together a record breaking amount of keen and enthusiastic players.

Thirty Four competitors arrived at the club ready for action, to play for this prestigious trophy but left organisers with the dilemma of whether to stretch the event to a third day.

It was to remain at two day's and throughout the battles, a high percentage of matches played managed to complement the players' handicaps - giving an even contest with excitement, nervousness and pride adding to the overall package.

Debutante players, Dougie Thorburn, David Rosie, Gavin Bremner, Mark Mackay, Michelle Cowie and youngster, Gary Beales tasted the delights of handicap squash, liked the format and all performed well in some tricky ties. But, the latter came up best by managing to reach the final of this event.

Gary was to take on another youngster, Jamie Henderson in the final.

Jamie had progressed by beating a number of top ranked county players with minimal handicap difference and continued into the final as favourite.

Slightly younger, Gary started the contest at -10 and Jamie at -42 but the latter picked away at the 32 point difference to overturn Gary in two sets, to lift the family trophy.

This was great experience for both and excellent to see two youngsters with such determination, who are focused and enjoy taking part in the sport.

The plate final competition brought together Alistair Miller and Stevie Spargo.

Stevie had a 4 point start and after going infront in both sets, it was always going to be a difficult task for Alistair to pull back the deficit. Added to this, Stevie was pulling off some great winning shots that his opponent had no chance of retrieving.

With this in mind, Stevie eventually went onto win the plate trophy with a few points to spare.

Congratulations to all who took part and hope to see the same, and more, competitors in the next handicap event.

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