28 & 29/03/09 - Highlands & Islands Squash Association championships, Thurso

THIRTY six players from throughout the Highlands & Islands were treated to some Caithness hospitality at the Highlands & Islands Squash Association championships.

This a two day knockout event split into 'A' and 'B' categories, within the Mens' competitions and, a Ladies' event.

Three players from Inverness and one from Thurso contested the semi-finals of the Mens' 'A' event.

Thurso's Ian Adamson put in some fine performances, upset the seedings to meet Greg Lobban and for a while in the first game looked like he was going to trouble the number 1 seed.

Ian surged to a 5-0 lead before Greg came back to take the game 9-6. Following this, Greg was in full command and went on to win 3-0.

It was much tougher for the other finalist, Ewen Urquhart, to claim his place. He met Ally McCorquodale and was taken all the way in a hard fought five setter.

The final was a treat for the capacity spectator gallery.

Ewen took the game to Greg, who for once was having to do the majority of retrieving but two errors cost him the first game. He levelled the match only for Greg take a 2-1 lead.

The fourth game was special with Ewen starting to show that he could compete with Greg at the front of the court, and went on to win it to set up a deciding game.

Unfortunately the exertions of the semi final and four games of the final caught up with Ewen, as he suffered cramp, leaving Greg to close out the last game 9-2 to claim his first HISA individual title.

John Kynoch, Inverness toppled Davy Taylor, Forres in a close fought five setter to win the Mens' 'A' plate final.

Not to be outdone by his son, Alan Lobban was quietly working through his opponents in the Mens' 'B' event.

He looked on the way out at one stage in the semi-final - when match ball down at 8-6 in the third game against Donald Durrand. Alan dug in and after an hour of hard Squash took his place in the final.

He met Jamie Durrand in the final and again found himself 2-1 down. The game went all the way with Alan just coming through 10-8 in the fifth to win the 'B' tournament.

Mark Mackay had the better of Brian Farmer (both Thurso) in the Mens' 'B' plate final.

The Ladies final was between two Caithness players, Donna Majilton, Wick and Carole Mowat, Thurso.

Donna had speed and power but Carole had the touch and the experience.

It was an even tussle for the first two games but it was Carole's ability to use the whole court to move her opponent that proved decisive and claim the title of best in the North.

Michelle Cowie, Thurso performed consistently in the Ladies' plate final to snatch the spoils from Liz Merry, Fort William.

HISA Chairman, Davy Taylor ended the proceedings by congratulating the organisation of the weekend and looked forward to further successful events.

report from Robin Hamill.

Results:-

• Mens 'A' - Greg Lobban beat Ewan Urquhart (both Inverness)
  • Plate - John Kynoch (Inverness) beat Davy Taylor (Forres)
• Mens 'B' - Alan Lobban (Inverness) beat Jamie Durrand (Wick)
  • Plate - Mark Mackay beat Brian Farmer (both Thurso)
• Ladies - Carole Mowat (Thurso) beat Donna Majilton (Wick)
  • Plate - Michelle Cowie (Thurso) beat Liz Merry (Fort William)

 

---

End-of-Document

HISA League information:-

• For the latest 2009-10 Fixtures & Results - click here.

ALL Other Useful Fixtures:-

Date	Event	Venue
--- 2010 ---
March
05-07	Masters - Scottish Nationals	Aberdeen
06	Level 1 Squash Coaching course - letter - entry form	Inverness
06-07	East Regional Junior Open (Junior 'A')	Edinburgh
20-21	Midlands Ranking (Junior 'B')	Perth
20-21	Highlands & Islands Closed (click below for forms & info) Word doc - Info, Entry & B&B's - pdf reader - Info, Entry & B&B's	Wick & Thurso
April
01-04	European Under 19 Team Championships	Vienna
03-04	West Ranking (Junior 'B')	-
08-11	Home Internationals Under 13 & 15	-
17-18	Highland & Islands Junior Open	Inverness
24	Level 1 Squash Coaching course - letter - entry form	Inverness
TBC	Highland & Islands Junior Squad Training	TBC