PICTURES: Treble triumph for Mackay and double success for Smith
Wick games hall was the venue for Caithness Badminton Association's first tournament of the season, the restricted championship.
It was a very well-attended tournament with adult and junior players from throughout Caithness challenging for the trophies.
The first event of the day was the ladies' and men’s singles, with both sections set up in a round-robin format.
The ladies' title went to Chloe Mackenzie (Dunnet), a remarkable achievement for the 14-year-old. Chloe defeated all the opponents in her group and finally got the better of Michelle Smith (Thurso) 2-0 in games, 21-11 and 21-16, with Michelle claiming the runner-up spot.
With a slightly higher entry in the men’s section, the competitors were split into two groups with the winners of each then playing in the final. Mark Mackay (Wick) and James Falconer (Latheron) came out on top in their respective sections.

Mark won a well-contested final 2-0 in games with scores of 21-18 and 26-24.
The men’s plate winner was Lewis Swan and the runner-up was Toby Sutherland (both Thurso).
The ladies' and men’s doubles were again played in a round-robin format. Michelle gained revenge on her opponent Chloe by winning the doubles title along with her playing partner and sister Tanya Cowie (Thurso).
They defeated Chloe and her partner Kirsty Henderson (Thurso) 2-0 in games, 21-17 and 21-18.
Following on from Mark's title success in the men’s singles, he and partner Grant Steven (Dunnet) set up a final with the father-and-son combination of James and Andrew Falconer (Latheron).
Mark and Grant went on to lift the crown, beating their opponents 2-0 (21-18 and 21-14).
The men’s plate winners were Lewis and Taylor Swan, with Aaron Johnson and Toby Sutherland as runners-up.
The mixed doubles rounded off the day. With some very strong pairings entered, they were split into two round-robin groups.
Comfortably winning their groups and setting up an exciting final were the pairings of James Falconer and Pauline Craig (Reay) and Mark Mackay and Michelle Smith.
For Mackay and Smith to complete the treble and double respectively they would have to overcome their toughest opponents yet.
Mark and Michelle took the first game comfortably, 21-12, then James and Pauline’s grit and determination shone through as they clinched the second by 23-21.
With all to play for in the third and final game, Mark and Michelle’s consistency, playing the long rally and shot execution, ran a tired James to the ground as they triumphed 21-15.
Mixed plate winners were Grant Steven and Tanya Cowie, and the runners-up were Taylor Swan and Kirsty Henderson.