Caithness Junior Badminton Championships Sees Thrilling Action
Under-15 Tournament Draws 31 Players from Across Caithness
A total of 31 talented young players, comprising 12 girls and 19 boys, gathered at the East of Caithness Community Facility in Wick on Saturday to compete in the highly anticipated under-15 Caithness junior badminton championships. The event, sponsored by Highland Workwear, witnessed some nail-biting matches and electrifying rallies that left the audience on the edge of their seats.
Girls’ Singles: Sophie Mackay Shines
In the girls’ singles main draw, Ashlyn Gunn from Wick faced off against clubmate Erna Thain in a closely contested semi-final, ultimately emerging victorious with a 15-7, 15-9 win. Meanwhile, Sophie Mackay from Dunnet defeated Freya Mackay (Wick) 15-4, 15-10 in the second semi-final. The final saw Sophie get the better of Ashlyn, securing the title with a 15-10, 15-6 win. Myah Macleod from Dunnet claimed the consolation title, beating Lexie Mackenzie 21-15. (pictured: Chloe Mackenzie from Highland Workwear with girls’ singles winner Sophie Mackay)
Boys’ Singles: Matthew Cook Triumphs
The boys’ singles main draw saw Ormlie’s Matthew Cook progress to the final with a 15-10, 15-10 win over Dunnet’s Finlay McDonald. Dhaill Mackay from Dunnet edged out Wick’s Rory Nicolson 12-15, 15-9, 15-6 in a thrilling semi-final encounter. Matthew went on to claim the title with a hard-fought 16-14, 15-12 win in the final. (pictured: Matthew Cook with Chloe Mackenzie from Highland Workwear)
Girls’ Doubles: Blayr and Erna Reign Supreme
In the girls’ doubles, Wick’s Rhea Bruce and Freya Mackay won a pulsating semi-final against Dunnet’s Sophie Mackay and Myah Macleod 15-11, 7-15, 15-11. Blayr Howden and Erna Thain from Wick defeated Dunnet’s Lexie Mackenzie and Wick’s Sophie Sinclair 15-7, 15-10 in the other semi-final. The all-Wick final saw Blayr and Erna take the title with a 15-12, 15-12 win. (pictured: Chloe Mackenzie from Highland Workwear with girls’ doubles winners Blayr Howden and Erna Thain)
Boys’ Doubles: Matthew and Dhaill Take Top Honors
The boys’ doubles main draw saw Matthew Cook and Dhaill Mackay overcome U13 boys’ doubles winners Finlay Nicolson and Liam Sinclair 15-8, 15-10. Finlay McDonald and Rory Nicolson won 15-7, 15-9 against Wick pair Callum Aitken and Connor Carter in the second semi-final. Matthew and Dhaill claimed the title with a narrow 15-11, 15-13 win in the final. (pictured: Chloe Mackenzie from Highland Workwear with boys’ doubles winners Matthew Cook and Dhaill Mackay)
Mixed Doubles: Rory and Ashlyn Emerge Victorious
In the mixed doubles main draw, Rory Nicolson and Ashlyn Mackay defeated Matthew Cook and Myah Macleod 16-14, 15-13 in their semi-final encounter. U13 mixed winners Sophie Mackay and Liam Sinclair defeated Finlay McDonald and Erna Thain 15-8, 15-10 in the other semi-final. The final went the distance, with the older pairing, Rory and Ashlyn, claiming the title with an 18-16, 8-15, 16-14 win. (pictured: Chloe Mackenzie from Highland Workwear with mixed doubles winners Rory Nicolson and Ashlyn Mackay)
A Word from the Organizers
Kerry Mackenzie, of Caithness Junior Badminton Club, expressed her gratitude to all participants, helpers, and sponsors, stating, "Once again, huge well done to all the competitors and thank you to all the helpers and our sponsor Highland Workwear."
Photos
- Chloe Mackenzie from Highland Workwear with boys’ singles winner Matthew Cook
- Boys’ singles consolation winner Ruaridh Kean with Chloe Mackenzie from Highland Workwear
- Mixed doubles consolation winners Callum Aitken and Blayr Howden with Chloe Mackenzie
- Boys’ doubles consolation winners Ross Mackay and Ruaridh Kean with Chloe Mackenzie
- Girls’ singles winner Sophie Mackay with Chloe Mackenzie
- Girls’ singles consolation winner Myah Macleod with Chloe Mackenzie from Highland Workwear
