Treble success for husband and wife in Caithness invitation tournament
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The husband-and-wife duo of Shona and Mark Mackay achieved a treble triumph in Caithness Badminton Association's 24th annual invitation tournament.
The turnout at Wick games hall was exceptional, with more than 60 participants from all over the north of Scotland – from areas around Inverness to Orkney and Shetland.
Tournament organiser Pauline Craig did an excellent job of getting the Scottish ranked event under way over the weekend of March 4/5 after a two-year break due to Covid-19.
The Friday night began with singles. Mark Mackay (Dunnet), still carrying an injury from his time competing at the World Masters championships in Spain in December, won the men’s singles against Daniel Johnson 21-18, 21-15. It was Mark’s 24th singles win in this tournament.
In the women’s singles, Shona Mackay (Dunnet) overcame the talented young Orcadian Shannon Leslie. Shona, also carrying an injury, was just too strong for Shannon as she prevailed 21-12, 21-17.
The men’s singles plate winner was Sam Groundwater, who beat Jack Harcus in the final. The women’s plate winner was Jody Groundwater, who got the better of Michelle Smith.
The Saturday began with doubles. Mark Mackay, playing with Martyn Cook, faced the Orkney duo of Matthew Reid and Andrew Reid in the final. Mark and Martyn took the first game comfortably, 21-9. Andrew and Matthew stepped up their efforts and the second game finished 21-18 in favour of Mark and Martyn.
The women’s doubles final saw Shona Mackay and Lauren Gunn taking on the Orkney pairing of Joanne Pottinger and Emma Work. This was the first time Shona and Lauren had played with each other as partners and it proved a successful formula as they won 21-15, 21-12.
The men’s doubles plate winners were Robert Hutchison and George Paterson, beating Callum Craig and Alistair Gordon. The women’s doubles plate went to Beckie Gunn and Morven Coghill, who defeated Chloe Mackenzie and Jody Groundwater.
The last event of the weekend was the mixed doubles. To complete the treble, Mark and Shona had to go through a difficult three-game semi-final against Orkney duo Andrew Reid and Emma Work.
The Caithness pair were beaten in the first game and this would be the only game they would lose throughout the tournament.
They proceeded to win the next two games to advance to the final where they faced tough opponents in Daniel Johnson and Joanne Pottinger. The husband-and-wife pairing found another gear, as they secured the treble with a dominant performance to win 21-6, 21-14.
The mixed doubles plate winners were Salim Boudinar and Rebecca Mayer, beating Mark Mackay and Kate MacNicol.
The final prize of the tournament was the Marina Swanson Memorial Achievement Award, in memory of Marina who passed away in 2020. It went to Iain Nicolson (Wick) in recognition of his commitment, drive and determination.
Tournament sponsors were Dounreay Communities Fund, North Point Distillery and Caithness Scaffolding.
