RDI Services Limited - Season 2009-2010 - 12/12/09

Mark and Jamie

A new one day handicap event, the RDI Services Ltd Trophy, was added to the 2009-2010 Thurso Squash Club calendar and, as always, with a new piece of silverware to be won, a good number of keen players attended to have their name engraved on the trophy first.

After a day of tough squash, where the draw paired together some even match ups, it was down to Mark Mackay (-42) and Jamie Henderson (-55) to battle it out for the trophy.

Mark was keen to continue his winning streak, after securing the opening tournament of the season, and Jamie wanted to show he could pull back the, unlucky for some, deficit of 13 points against a tough opponent.

After a day of arduous squash the audience expected this tie to be a tactical match with smart, technical choices of shot and as little running as possible. How wrong could they have been, as both came out in a blistering pace, unreachable shots were being gathered with ease and the ball hugged the wall tighter than two lovers meeting up on a harbour dock.

Jamie pushed for every shot and gradually managed to pull back some of the deficit but Mark held out to win the first set.

Gary and David

A couple of altercations with the match official seemed to knock Mark out of his flow midway through the second set but this also showed that fatigue was beginning to set in. Jamie picked up on this, managed to push Mark into the corners of the court and punish him with his trademark delicate drop shots to snatch the second set.

With Mark's fuel gauge flashing on low, he went into his last batch of reserves for one final push and pulled out an excellent final set to just pip youngster, Jamie.

An excellent performance by both after a long day and one that the on-looking audience were glad they stayed to watch.

Winner, Mark graciously commented on receiving his trophy, 'It was very hard to finish the game off against such a tough opponent' and thanked the referees for making some hard and difficult decisions during the day.

Gary Beales also lifted his second trophy in a month by winning the plate trophy of this event.

Gary had 20 points to pull back against his opponent David Rosie and both provided a good contest but Gary just had the edge and pulled away as the winner after three sets.

Congratulations and thank you to everyone who took part, organised and provided refreshments and food.

L to R:- Mark Mackay, Jamie Henderson, Donald Polard (sponsor), David Rosie & Gary Beales

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