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Players put on ‘great day of badminton’ in Caithness restricted tournament





Mixed doubles winners Lynn Gunn and Benjie Mackay with runners-up Craig Stewart and Pauline Craig.
Mixed doubles winners Lynn Gunn and Benjie Mackay with runners-up Craig Stewart and Pauline Craig.

Caithness Badminton Association held its annual restricted tournament at the East Caithness Community Facility in Wick, sponsored by Norse Stone. The restricted nature of the tournament means none of the “A” team inter-county players are able to compete.

The ladies’ singles saw just two take part, Louise Campbell and Pauline Craig, with Louise winning 21-16, 21-14.

The men’s singles saw three groups, with the group winners going to the main draw play-offs and the bottom-placed players going to the consolation play-offs.

Craig Stewart topped Group 1 after winning both his games comfortably in two sets, against Qida Du and Brody Mackenzie. Qida and Brody then had a three-setter with Brody winning the first 22-20 before Qida took the last two, 21-14, 21-15.

Grant Steven finished top of Group 2 after beating Matthew Cook and Dhaill Mackay. Matthew defeated Dhaill 25-23, 21-18.

There were four players in Group 3 with Taylor Swan topping it after winning all three of his matches.

Men’s singles winner Craig Stewart and runner-up Grant Steven.
Men’s singles winner Craig Stewart and runner-up Grant Steven.

Lewis Malcolm won two and Alexander Mackay won one, placing Gareth Watt in the consolation play-offs.

The main draw saw Craig, Grant and Taylor battling it out. Craig and Grant defeated Taylor, leaving it to their game to decide the winner, and it went to three sets with Craig taking it 15-21, 21-18, 22-20.

The consolation event featured Brody, Dhaill and Gareth, with Gareth winning both his games to come out on top.

The ladies’ doubles was a straight final between Louise Campbell and Lynn Gunn and the pairing of Pauline Craig and Ashley McLean. Louise and Lynn won 21-10, 21-12.

The men’s doubles competition was played in two groups of three, with the top pair in each playing off for the main draw and the bottom one in each playing for the consolation.

Grant Steven and James Falconer topped Group 1, winning both their games. Alexander Mackay and Lewis Malcolm lost out to Taylor Swan and Gareth Watt, placing them in the consolation.

Craig Stewart and Benjie Mackay were the top pairing in Group 2, winning both their games. Qida Du and Brody Mackenzie lost to Dhaill Mackay and Matthew Cook, placing Qida and Brody in the consolation.

Craig and Benjie won 21-14, 21-12 against Grant and James.

The consolation saw Qida and Brody come out on against Alexander and Lewis.

The mixed doubles event was played in a round-robin format with each of the five pairs playing each other. Benjie Mackay and Lynn Gunn topped the table after winning all their games.

Runners-up were Craig Stewart and Pauline Craig after winning three out of four.

Ladies’ singles winner Louise Campbell and runner-up Pauline Craig.
Ladies’ singles winner Louise Campbell and runner-up Pauline Craig.

Kerry Mackenzie of Caithness Badminton Association said: “It was a great day of badminton with some close games throughout. It was good to see some of the juniors playing at the restricted.

“Thanks to Lauren Gunn for organising and Pauline Craig and helpers for keeping things running smoothly on the day. Special mention to the four players who all won a double title – Craig Stewart, Louise Campbell, Lynn Gunn and Benjie Mackay.”

Ladies’ doubles winners (from left) Lynn Gunn and Louise Campbell with runners-up Ashley McLean and Pauline Craig.
Ladies’ doubles winners (from left) Lynn Gunn and Louise Campbell with runners-up Ashley McLean and Pauline Craig.
Men's singles consolation winner Gareth Watt.
Men's singles consolation winner Gareth Watt.

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