The Open Singles championships were held last week in the Pickaquoy Centre. The
event was generously sponsored by Steven Cooper of Aurora Jewellery, many thanks
to him form all at Orkney Badminton Association.
The first round saw a good three set win for junior David Delday over the
experienced Stuart Slater while twelve year old Owen Reid put on a good
performance before losing to Gary Nicolson.
The first semi-final saw defending champion Ross Groundwater play against David
Delday. David is showing real promise as he matures and will no doubt be a
contender in the years to come however Ross greater experience enabled to to win the
match in two sets to reach the final. Another junior player and one of last year’s
finalists, Gary Nicolson was up against previous champion Eion Ballantine. Eion was
in good form in this match and Gary struggled to maintain his consistency against
Eion’s powerful attacking play. Eion reached the final winning in two sets.
The final started closely with both players covering the court well. Eion started to
pull away as any half chance presented to him by Ross was gleefully dispatched with
venom as he won the first set 21-15. The second set a closer affair with the scores
remaining level until 13-all, here Eion pulled a couple of points ahead with Ross
playing his hardest to reduce the deficit. The new scoring system makes it very
difficult to come back from a five points lead near the end of a game so it remains
vital to stay in touch with your opponent.
Eion powerful smashing was becoming the difference between the opponents as any
lift short of the back line by Ross was being pummelled back with good accuracy
inside the tram line. Eion claimed the trophy, winning the second set 21-17. Well
done to both players on an entertaining final and especially Eion who by claiming the
title, achieved the ‘treble’ of winning the mens doubles with Ross, mixed doubles
with Christine West along with the singles title.
The mens plate sprung up an intriguing match as the father and son pairing of Calvin
and Owen Reid squared up for the first time on court. After a long tussle it was Owen
who was to progress to the plate final winning 22-20. Stuart Slater beat Rorie
Anderson in the other semi to progress to the final. Rorie is another up and coming
player with time on his side who will make his mark on the main event in the years to
come.
Stuart went on to beat Owen 21-13 in an entertaining game with Owen not being
overawed by playing against much senior opposition.
The ladies competition saw defending champion Moira Nicolson take on junior player
Joanne Pottinger in the first semi-final. Joanne has progressed very well and her
endless energy and enthusiasm are a joy to watch. Moira was made to work hard by
her younger opponent but her greater experience saw her reach the final winning in
two sets. The other semi-final paired up doubles partners Elspeth MacLellan and
Christine West. Elspeth is a previous winner of the title and played well as she won
through to the final in two sets.
The final was always going to be a close affair with both players of similar ability.
Elspeth was to be the winner of the first set 21-16. The second set was a battle royale
as both players gave their all but it would be Moira who eventually won it 21-19 to
force a third set. The third set started evenly but the efforts of winning a hard second
set began to tell on Moira as Elspeth powered her way to the title winning the third set
21-8. Well done to both sets of players in what was an entertaining final.
The ladies plate saw Christine West beat Jane Hill 21-16. The final saw Christine play
Joanne Pottinger. Right from the start Joanne played well and ran out winner 21-11.
Many thanks to tournament officials, umpires, etc.