DSRL Handicap - Season 2009-2010 - 10-11/10/09

Mark and Stuart

Thurso Squash Club held its inaugural event of the season, the Dounreay Site Restoration Limited (DSRL) Handicap, in pristine conditions due to the recent face-lift of both courts.

A healthy total of 24 players entered this 2 day event and with main and plate (unfortunate players that lose out in the first round) silverware on offer, competitors were certainly pushing themselves to their limits and, as fatigue set in, officials on a few occasions received the wrath of dishevelled players.

The main final brought together two evenly balanced players with similar styles of play, who regularly play against each other in the club league setup, Stuart Sutherland (-38) and Mark Mackay (-35).

Both players got off to a slow start, possibly due to their tough and tiring semi-final matches but it was Mark who stretched out to a significant lead and grabbed the first set with a few points to spare.

Stuart gathered his thoughts during the break and came into the second set with a fresh approach that made his opponent battle for every point.

After numerous long and strenuous rallies, great retrieving that looked destined for definite winners, it was Stuart who raced away to a 13-9 lead with only two points to grab for a final set showdown.

Sean and Neillie

Stuart tried desperately to finish the set but Mark repeatedly knocked back all his efforts and, with the scoreline sitting at 14-14, a slack final shot from Stuart left the door wide open for Mark to slot away a deep drive into the corner and secure the trophy.

The plate trophy brought together youngster, Sean Miller (-40) and Neil Mackay (0) in a contest resembling David versus Goliath, respectively.

Neil managed to grab the first set with some clinical finishing at the front of the court but wily, Sean pulled back the second by forcing his elder opponent into difficult positions.

A jaded Neil was now desperate for his drop shots to be successful in the final set but, Sean kept piling on the pressure, forced him into errors that would eventually be costly and the plate award went the youngsters way.

Congratulations to everyone who took part and as this is the start of the new season, Thurso Squash Club is always looking for new members. Come and have a go.

L to R:- Sean Miller, Neillie Mackay, Mark Mackay & Stuart Sutherland

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