Argyll badminton stars face off in Oban doubles tournament

In the Women’s Doubles A-Draw, Oban players Denise Gemmell and Yvonne Clark achieved third place, tied with former Oban player Carla-Louise MacKenzie.

Another former Oban player, Deborah Craig, won the B-Draw with her partner Lynette Pollock from the Midlands and the runners up were Oban’s Rachel Brise and her partner Claire Horsfield from Glasgow.

Campbeltown player Jane Scott partnered with Orla McGuire, Isle of Barra, and they finished third in B-Draw - an applaudable result considering it was their first competition playing together.

In the Mixed Doubles A-Draw, three local doubles made it to the Quarter Finals: Ryan McCuaig and partner Rachel Brise, Oban; Jane Scott and Neil Littleson, Campbeltown; and Craig MacCorquodale and Carla-Louise MacKenzie, Oban. The three pairs were eliminated in tough matches.

Tournament Organiser Ryan McCuaig said: “I would like to thank Kerry-Anne Savage from Kilmarnock, who travelled up to be the tournament referee, allowing me to play. 

“I also want to thank all the players who travelled to our little corner of Scotland to compete. Many people are inquiring about how to run their own competitions, and local players are eager to travel to other events.

“I would like to add that the local support was amazing, with players from other Argyll clubs supporting fellow county players and local club members turning up on the day.”

Thanks also go to Scottish Sea Farms for sponsoring the tournament, Atlantis Leisure for hosting and to Charlie Ellis who stepped in last-minute to present the Men’s Doubles medals.

Argyll & Bute Badminton are already gearing up for future events in 2025, including the 75th edition of the Argyll Cup, where Mid Argyll and Campbeltown players will compete against teams from Oban and Dunoon.