WWW.SCOTLAWNBOWLS.COM
On The Green 'Scene'
Lawn Bowls News
International Contacts
Send In Your News to
Balbardie IBC were double-handed going into the showpiece climax to the joint national championships played at the West of Scotland indoor bowls stadium and expectations of title success were high however both dreams were shattered by dramatic semi final exits. Lorraine Malloy carried the banner of the Bathgate based club in the ladies singles and her ambition was to couple up the indoor title with the outdoor one she captured at Ayr Northfield back in August. And despite facing the toughest of challenges in the semi finals she shaped up as the likely winner against defending champion Julie Forrest of Teviotdale whose own driving mission was to reign as champion for a record-equalling fourth time. Both players contributed to an epic battle that became excitingly deadlocked at 16-16 before Forrest edged ahead with a single then suffered great anguish when Malloy thrilled her support by carding a full house 4 to 20. Malloy surely had victory firmly in her grasp but the tensions multiplied as Forrest kept her hopes alive with two singles to 19 then the Border challenger stole the show with a magnificent count of 2 to triumph 21-20. Forrest went on to complete a successful defence of the title with a 21-14 win over Caroline Brown of Blantyre a former three times winner of the junior crown who had defeated Kathy Houston of Paisley, 21-5 in her semi final. Balbardie were represented in the gents 2-Bowl Pairs by Andy Chapman and outdoor cap Ewan Shearer and they put up a bold show against Steven Tywnholm and world stage figure David Gourlay of Glasgow in their semi final. The cold facts are that they went down in two straight sets but the drama behind their defeat was intense as they had finished peels on both sets but then lost out on the nail biting extra-end deciders. The final was won however by Colin McBride and Stewart Anderson of Auchinleck who claimed the title with set scores of 9-3, and 6-3. Anderson celebrated a double title success on the day as he regained the junior singles crown by defeating Steven Allan of Alloa, 21-11 in the semi finals then adding the scalp of Paisley challenger Graeme Armour, 21-10 in the final. Armour had reached the final with a commanding 21-5 win in the semi finals over Bainfield star Paul O’Donnell who was perhaps attempting the impossible the day after being married; but full marks for trying in his last year of the Under 25’s. Mike Stepney of Elgin captured the gents Singles title proper with a 21-6 win over Andrew Furye of Arbroath in the final.( Stewart Meikle 1/12/9)
West Lothian IBC captured a national title in the finals of the Scottish Indoor Bowls Championships played at the West of Scotland stadium over the weekend and it was delivered by former Bainfield star Wendy Purdie and her 19-year old 2-Bowl Pairs partner Jenifer Richardson. Purdie spent her formative years as a member of Bainfield and was already a prolific winner of domestic titles before a change of geography led to a transfer of allegiance to the Inveralmond stadium at Livingston. The 38-year old mother of two (daughters) played three international series for Scotland under the Bainfield banner and has achieved the same number of caps to date representing West Lothian. Purdie has proved to be a treasured acquisition for WL having brought the club its first ever national singles crown when capturing the blue ribbon title of the championships in 2008. The 2009 season brought Purdie further national success as she skipped Angie Uttley to the 4-Bowl Pairs title then doubled up by skipping Irene Taylor Jennifer Sneddon and Uttley to glory in the Fours as well. And now with the 2010 season still to bring her title opportunities in the British Isles Championships at Perth come March she has added to her national honours by skipping budding star Jenifer Richardson to her first Scottish title.
The West Lothian partnership faced Margaret Craig and Rhona Jarvis of Garioch (Inverurie) in the semi final action at the WOS venue and thrilled their travelling support with a superb performance to win in straight sets. The WL champions answering the loss of a single on the opening end with a run of 3, 1, 1, 1, and they went on to dominate the first set, 7-1 then the duo remained in tip-top form to capture the second set, 7-2. Ardrossan beat Karen Dawson and Ceri Ann Davies, 2-1 in the other semi final so it was Janice Dougal and Michelle Cooper who lined up as the opposition to West Lothian in the final.
The final wasn’t plain sailing for the West Lothian partnership with Ardrossan well in command to capture the first set by a wide margin however capitulation wasn’t in the thoughts of Richardson/Purdie and they ran away with the second set. A 3-3 deadlock in the third and final set was broken by the WL challengers who raised their game with a 2, 1 reply and having made the space clinched the title with a single to win the decider 7-3. “Although the seasons have been split by the summer break this success means I have won three national titles in the one calendar year and that is more than you even dream about”, summed up the WL skip. West Lothian came into the final days play double handed with 18-year old Lisa Barrett bidding to avenge the defeat she suffered at the hand of Michelle Cooper in the 2008 final of the Junior Singles. But having impressed with her 21-10 win over Ailsa Robertson of Dundee in the semi final stage Barrett found Cooper a different kettle of fish and the Ardrossan star powered to a 21-14 success in the first of her two finals.(Stewart Meikle 30/11/09)
Portobello’s bid to escape the basement level of the national indoor bowls leagues continues at terrific pace with the seaside team making great waves in a campaign that has produced a super six wins in a row in Division 2B. Their latest success to make it 12 points out of 12 also boosted the sometimes vital shot margin bank as the league leaders travelled to Fintry and crushed their relegation zoned opposition, 106-52. “This result means we have maintained our four point gap over Cumbernauld who themselves had a big win over Allander (+40) but we have increased the shot margin difference between us to 28 and that could be worth another point”, said spokesman Andrew Caldwell. Porty’s win at Fintry was justifying the formbook so no great plaudits there however the visitors can enthuse over the fact that all four of their rinks contributed winning performances. The successful skips being, David Brown, Ian Fleming, John McDermott, and Caldwell with all wins coming in commanding double figure style. The opening 7-end phase of the match was hard fought but Portobello edged it 26-20 but the visitors then moved into top gear and accelerated to a 45-15 success on the second and a 35-17 consolidation on the third. Caldwell – who had club champion George Johnstone in at third for Chris Steven and a teenage front-end of Jamie Reid and Daniel Gormley – emerged the star performer by skipping his rink to a 26-11 win over Archie Strang. The Porty rink dominated from start to finish and led 14-2 at one stage but the chief highlight came at the 14th end with the carding of a sizzling six that pushed them 23-4 ahead. Brown enjoyed a run of 1, 2, 6 to skip Kerr McKail Bill Ramsay and Darren McKenny into a 14-8 lead after 11-ends but they were pegged back to peels before producing a storming finish of 1, 3, 3, (1), 3, 1, 4 to beat S Wettop, 29-15. Fleming –son of a two times Tait Trophy champion – counted at 13 of the 21 ends and was never troubled as he skipped Davy McLeod John Lockhart and Willie Hogg to a 25-12 win over D Buchanan. McDermott made great space from 7-6 to 16-6 with a telling run of 2, 3, 3, 1 then pressed on to skip Robert Wood (capt) BJ Smith and Euan Murray to a 26-14 win over R McKay. It was a high scoring day in Division 2B with Cumbernauld crushing foot of the table Allander, 98-58 and joint second placed Headwell demolishing Teviotdale, 102-67.( Stewart Meikle 23/11/09)
Bainfield’s attempt to get their promotion challenge back on the rails gained encouraging force with a battling victory over Division 1B title rivals Balbardie when the teams clashed at the Hutchison Crossway stadium. Balbardie arrived as underdogs but not lightweights and after nine ends stood 12 shots up but Bainfield had their lives to fight for and turned the tables in admirable fashion to edge an 85-81 victory. “With home advantage and a strong line up we are expected to win but Balbardie can’t be treated lightly and they proved that by making us fight every inch of the way” said Bainfield team manager John Bell. “I am pleased that we did show good fight and character under pressure as after our poor start to the campaign the road ahead will always be testing”, he added. Bainfield were unchanged from the team that had changed their fortunes with a home win over Whiteinch. Balbardie dished out stiff punishment to Paul O’Donnell and his rink with the young skips opposite number Ewan Shearer particularly outstanding but the Bainfield cause was saved by wins for Robert Marshall, Gavin Smith, and Stevie McLeod. The phase scoring shows Balbardie putting Bainfield under 26-18 pressure over the first 7-ends but the home side transforming the picture with a significant 39-28 reply on the second then edging the third, 28-27. The match was a frustrating one for O’Donnell and his rink of Craig Paterson Gary Purdie and team captain Craig Moss who in the opinion of Bell played well enough yet were heavily outgunned 31-14 by Shearer. “Shearer was exceptional” pinioned Bell as the 36-year old outdoor cap included a purple patch spell of 4 (2), 1, 6, 2, (1), 1, 2, 3 to skip Gary Orr Kenny Martin and Andy Forrest into a commanding 25-10 lead after 17-ends. Marshall steadied the ship for Bainfield though and included an uplifting run of 3, 3, 5, 3 as he skipped Graeme McIntosh Brian Stoddart and Jamie Gracie to a 28-14 win over Mark Bonnar Alistair Wilson Gerry Duggan and Walter McDougall. Smith registered seven duck-eggs over the first eight ends and trailed 11-2 as a consequence, then 13-4, but found a new lease of life and did exceptionally well to Fight back and win. Skipping Chris Downie Jamie Aitken and Colin Hutchison on a 1, 4, 3, 3, 1, 1 revival then onto a 21-15 triumph over Colin Fraser Davy Ross Jim Speirs and Graeme Byrne. McLeod made a big impression with successive counts of 5 and 4 to skip Derek Smith Willie McDonald and Alan Brown into a 17-6 lead after 11-ends. However they were then hard pressed to hang on and edge a 22-21 win over Lawson Trotter David Lawrie Diz Drysdale and Sandy McDougall. The results elsewhere saw Alloa score a 96-64 home win over Tweedbank and Whiteinch beat Stirling, 80-65. Alloa top the table by a single point from Bainfield and Tweedbank.( Stewart Meikle 3/11/9)
Portobello kept themselves firmly in the swim to win the race for promotion from Section B of Division 2 with the seasiders making it four wins-in–a-row at the weekend; but they have still to shake off the challenge of Cumbernauld. Teviotdale are the latest team to collect zero points from their clash with the strong going Porty team yet despite their lowly position of joint bottom the visitors only finished 9 shots off the pace. Porty triumphed 75-66 having enjoyed success on the rinks skipped by John McDermott, Stuart Betts, and Andrew Caldwell however there was a setback for David Brown. “We are holding a 2 point lead over our nearest rivals Cumbernauld but that isn’t much of a cushion as we only have a shot difference of 2 so we are alive to the danger they represent” summed up Andrew Caldwell for Porty. That danger presents itself head on in Porty’s next match in a fortnight’s time as they are due to visit that particular lions den and all the tough questions will then be asked. Cumbernauld kept their challenge going with a 95-69 away win over Fintry while the other section result saw Headwell score a 106-66 away win over Allander. The two opening phases were the most productive for the home side with Porty winning the first 7-ends, 26-18 and stepping up the pace to capture the second, 33-19 however there will be concern that they lost the third, 29-16 in a faltering finish. McDermott made an encouraging 2, 1, 2 start then got over a few early hiccups to skip Robert Wood (capt) BJ Smith and Ewen Murray into an 11-6 lead after 10-ends. The loss of a single at the 11th was answered with a purple patch spell of 1, 2, 1, (1), 2 and that provided sufficient cushion for the home rink to triumph 19-12 over W Anderson. Betts returned to the fold to skip Ian Fleming Kerr McKail and Willie Hogg to a 22-17 win over C MacDougall and their highlights included a mighty 5 at the 7th end to double their score to 10 and later run of 1, 3, (1), 1, 2, 1 (1), 2 to lead 17-8. Caldwell mostly held a slight edge in a hard fought battle with Stuart Bebbington and helped by a valuable 3 at the last he skipped Jamie Reid Donald Forsyth and Craig McCall to a 19-14 win. Brown and his rink of Daniel Gormley Andrew Davie and Darren McKenny suffered lean spells against S Douglas and their 14/7 loss of the end count was reflected by a 23-15 defeat although they had been in touch at 15-18 and three to play.
Portobello Seniors were in fine form for yesterday’s continuation of the national fours championship with the rink of Eddie Tomany Ronnie Andrews Ronnie Douglas and Tony McLaren reaching the glamour semi finals stage to be played at Prestwick in March. McLaren and Co created a comfortable cushion before conceding late ground but winning their first game 15-13 against Alloa at Lanarkshire IBC then they kept their title dreams alive with a good 19-14 win over Headwell. Headwell had earlier put paid to the challenge of Bainfield, defeating Bill Little and Co 21-11. Auchinleck, Coatbridge, and Aberdeen are the other quailifers.(Stewart Meikle2/11/9)
Bainfield continue their national league campaign at home tomorrow and aim to hold all the aces when they welcome Division 1B promotion rivals Balbardie to the Hutchison Crossway stadium. “The pre-season talk was that Balbardie would be the main threat in our quest to achieve premier league status but like ourselves they have dropped early points so there will be no lack of edge when we lock horns”, said John Bell for Bainfield. Bell is a much happier team manager having assembled a full strength line up for the first time last weekend and being able to parade an unchanged squad against Balbardie fuels his confident expectations of another winning performance. “ I will urge our players to take nothing for granted however as I have the utmost respect for players from the West Lothian area and only our best form will do”. Bainfield are well served in the skips department with Robert Marshall, Paul O’Donnell, Gavin Smith, and Stevie McLeod at the helm of a team that has good strength in depth.
Balbardie have Ian Drysdale and Ritchie Templeton missing from the team that lost at Tweedbank last weekend so welcome back Sandy McDougall at skip and Alistair Wilson at second. McDougall pushes Gerry Duggan down to third while the other skips for Balbardie are stalwart figures Ewan Shearer, Graeme Byrne, and Walter McDougall.
East Lothian have lost two of their opening three games and that represents a mini crisis for the defending four-in-a-row champions of the premier league but normal service should be resumed when they face Coatbridge in the B section tomorrow. It’s a must win game though for the Garden County elite and with the match being played at the Meadowmill stadium the selectors have decided to ring the changes with budding teenage star Ross Thomson handed a debut. There is also a recall for Colin Cook and Dougie Berwick while the sidelined three are David Oliver, John Stevenson, and Stuart Wyllie. Alex Marshall MBE, Graham Robertson, Paul Foster, and Willie Wood MBE are the skips.
The ‘ match of the day’ in the A section of the premier league is the clash of joint table-toppers West Lothian and Prestwick with the team from Livingston travelling to the formidable Ayrshire venue. Circumstances deny WL the services of Stuart Johnston, Des Hagart, and Paul Lynas so the selectors have called up Blair Mackie, Ewan Wilson, and James Greenock from the reserve bench. Thomas Mann reverts to skip with Raymond Logan promoted to third while Joey Strickland moves from skip to play third to George Sneddon.
Midlothian hope to regain winning form when they entertain Lanarkshire at the Dalkeith stadium but Frank Gray is keeping things close to his chest with no news of the team line up from the team manager.
Portobello have home advantage against Teviotdale in the B section of Division 2 and the leaders are bidding to make it four wins in a row. Stuart Betts returns to skip with Ian Fleming making the unusual switch to lead while Andrew Davie also comes back to a team that has John Flockhart and Davy McLeod absent.
The Saturday action in the ladies national league system finds Midlothian travelling North to take on Aberdeen in the A section of the premier league. Portobello and Bainfield are away to Teviotdale and West Lothian respectively in the C section of Division1 while East Lothian travel to Tweedbank. Balbardie are at home to Allander in the D section.( Stewart Meikle 30/10/9)
Portobello are 4 points off the pace but moved into second place behind East Lothian with a handsome 25 shot home victory (79-54) over West Lothian when the teams clashed yesterday in the East B section of the Seniors League Cup. “That’s a hat trick of wins for us after losing our opening two matches so we are feeling pleased with ourselves however being able to catch undefeated leaders East Lothian is a different story”, said Porty spokesman Tony McLaren. Portobello made a strong start against West Lothian and after 10-ends had taken a firm grip of the match to lead 56-32 with all four rinks in the ascendancy. McLaren made a major contribution to the home effort having skipped Rab Stewart John McLeod and Ronnie Andrews into a 15-2 lead after 7-ends and although dropping a 6 at the next they were always doing enough to beat George Rarity, 20-13. Ronnie Douglas also made a spectacular start to lead Peter Ball 13-1 after 8-ends and remained untroubled to triumph 22-8 however Alex Walker found life much harder against John Murphy and was fully extended to edge an 18-17 win. BJ Smith was another to blaze an early trail and carded 1, 2, 2, 1, 6 to lead 12-0 and although unable to sustain that pace did manage to win 19-16 and so complete an impressive clean sweep over an opposition that now occupies the second bottom rung.
East Lothian had an idle day while elsewhere in the section Midlothian scored an 81-52 home win over foot of the table Tweedbank, and Bainfield won 64-58 away to Balbardie.
Portobello ladies champion Izzy Dixon is reflecting on an exciting run of performances in the play down action of the national singles at Midlothian IBC that saw her do her club banner proud although failing to book a place in the glamour semi final line up. Dixon launched her valiant effort with a thrilling 21-19 win over Aileen Law of East Kilbride in the first round proper then made comfortable 21-13 progress against Annette Christie of Dumbarton to reach the quarterfinals. Her path into the final stages to be played at The West of Scotland IBC over the weekend of November 28 and 29 was blocked by full cap Caroline Brown of Blantyre whose CV includes 3 junior singles titles. It was a tall order for Dixon but the Portobello champion gave it her best shot and managed to come close in a 21-17 defeat. Meanwhile Dixon’s city counterpart Anna Anderson of Bainfield opened her challenge with a good 21-14 win over Val Sneddon of Fintry but made a 21-7 exit to twice junior champion Michelle Cooper of Ardrossan in the second round. However Lorraine Malloy is back in the national headlines with the 43-year old Scottish outdoor singles champion from Springgrove carrying the Balbardie IBC banner into the semi final stage of the indoor version. Malloy launched her challenge for the title with a 21-9 win over Liz Fraser of Turriff then dealt Norma Bauld of East Lothian, a 21-4 exit before scoring a runaway success over the luckless Margaret Craig of Garioch. Midlothian champion Sandra McLeish represented top notch opposition in the quarterfinals but Malloy sustained her high pitch form to score a 21-16 win over the host club challenger. West Lothian IBC champion Angie Uttley was a 21-16 victim of McLeish in the second round having previously defeated Maureen Morrison of Perth, 21-20 and former champion Cathy McIntosh of Stonehaven, 21-17. Malloy’s opposition in the semi finals will come from holder Julie Forrest of Teviotdale who is seeking a fourth title success while Caroline Brown faces Cathy Houston of Paisley.( Stewart Meikle 29/10/9)
Portobello’s mission to gain promotion from the B section of Division 2 continues to gain force with the confident sea-siders coasting to a 40 shot away win (102-62) over Allander to remain undefeated after three games played. And wins on the three rinks skipped by Davy Brown, Ian Fleming, and John McDermott plus a peel for Andrew Caldwell made it a comprehensive team performance that suggests good times lie ahead. “It’s great that we have rattled up a hat trick of wins but it is too early in the programme for us to have opened up a meaningful gap so we remain under pressure to keep up the good work”, explained spokesman Andrew Caldwell. Caldwell understands pressure as he had to cope with the devastating loss of 6, 4, 5 in the space of six ends against Allander and did so well enough to skip Jamie Reid Donald Forsyth and Craig McCall to a face saving 25-25 peel. Brown though won the major plaudits from the Porty camp as he blazed a tremendous 21-0 trail en route to skipping Daniel Gormley Kerr McKail and George Johnstone to a 27-9 win. Fleming was another start to finish merchant as the stand in for Stuart Betts skipped Robert Wood Ewan Murray and Willie Hogg to a 31-18 win while the rink of Davy McLeod John Lockhart BJ Smith and McDermott contributed a 19-10 triumph.
Meanwhile play in the B section of the premier league provided a second away shock for national title-holders East Lothian in the shape of a 72-61 defeat from Aberdeen that left the four-in-a-row champions 4 points adrift of leaders Blantyre. “This latest setback is a major blow as we were at full strength and expected to win and it means we cannot afford any further slip-ups “, summed up team captain James Hogg. Paul Foster’s 4 shot win was the sole success achieved by an East Lothian team that saw Alex Marshall battle hard to earn a peel but suffer 5 and 10 shot defeat on the rinks skipped by Graham Robertson and Willie Wood, respectively. Elsewhere in the B section Blantyre scored an 87-81 away win over Dundee while Coatbridge enjoyed an 88-65 home win over Falkirk.
Midlothian has been challenged by a tough opening programme and their latest 76-60 away defeat at Prestwick has left the Dalkeith outfit 4 points off the pace in the A section of the premier league led jointly by West Lothian and Prestwick. Graeme Archer produced a good double figure win but the rinks skipped by David Peacock, Billy Peacock, and Willie Rankin all lost. Archer made a terrific start to lead John Candlish 15-2 after 10 ends then the star acquisition from West Lothian skipped Calum Crawford David Salkeld and Ian brown to a 19-9 win. Peacock (David) skipped Martin yllie Robert Trencj Jun and Lindsay Plenderleith into a battling 14-13 lead but slipped to a 20-16 defeat from P Boyd. Peacock (Billy) and his rink of Ronnie Duncan Drew Pearson and Sandy Knight were always hard pressed to stay in touch and lost an 18-13 battle with Colin Smith. Rankin and his rink of Steven Currie Colin Adamson and Kevin McDougall collapsed from 9-11 to 11-24 and suffered a 29-12 defeat from D Boyd. “Our results should get better and will have to get better”, said spokesman Frank Gray.(Stewart Meikle 28/10/9)
West Lothian continued their impressive start to the indoor bowls season with a commanding 91-70 away win over Arbroath that saw them complete a hat trick of wins in the A section of the premier league. Arbroath had icon figure Darren Burnett missing from their line up and that made the home side less of a threat for a strongly formed West Lothian team that welcomed full cap Thomas Mann back for his seasonal debut. Mann came in at third to former cap Joey Strickland but it wasn’t the happiest of occasions as in company their front end of Richard Mark and Raymond Logan the rink suffered a double figure defeat. West Lothian also saw Neil Speirs piped at the post but the valuable match points were rescued by good wins for the rinks skipped by Mark Alison and George Sneddon. The visitors shrugged off a 13-7 deficit for Strickland to edge the first 7-end phase, 34-29 but Arbroath kept the match on a knife-edge with a 29-24 reply on the second then a big step in gear saw West Lothian motor to a 33-12 success on the third. “This is our second away success in three games which is an encouraging sign and an inspiration ahead of a tough looking visit to Prestwick who like ourselves are undefeated”, said a spokesman for West Lothian. Allison emerged the high flyer for West Lothian with the ex-Fifer winning the end count 13-8 and skipping Bryan Cooper Ian Laverie and Calum Logan to a 30-10 victory over Peter Carnegie. The trend of their inspiring success was set by a purple patch spell of 2, 3, 2, (1), 2, 4 that thrust them into a 17-7 lead after 12-ends then they iced the cake from 21-10 with a big 6, 3 finish. Sneddon blazed a 19-5 trail after nine ends as he skipped Cameron Greer David Wilson and Stuart Johnston on two short sharp runs of 5, 4, 1 and 1, 2, 6 then a strong finish of 2, 3, 2, 1 saw them wrap up a 29-15 win over Peter Strachan. Speirs made a strong start to skip Paul Lynas Des Hagart and James Speirs into a 10-5 lead over George Stewart but lean times followed and although their losses weren’t heavy they were edged out 17-16. Strickland and Co conceded a mighty 5 at the first end and trailed 13-6 after six ends then life became even tougher as they were put through the mill and crushed 28-16 by Andrew Furye.
Portobello enjoyed a good run in the playdown action of the Seniors National Knockout Fours at the weekend with the rink of Eddie Tomany Ronnie Andrews Ronnie Douglas and Tony McLaren reaching the last 16 stage. McLaren and Co blitzed Balbardie 32-5 then East Lothian 22-6 to set up a clash against Alloa when the event continues this Sunday. Bainfield also remain in contention for the title with Bill Little walking over against East Fife then skipping his rink to a 19-8 win over an Abbeyview opposition that had dealt a 20-6 exit to Bill Ballantyne of Midlothian. West Lothian made a 16-14 exit to Ayr in the prelim round and they in turn lost to Headwell who now provide the opposition to Bainfield.( Stewart Meikle 27/10/9)
Bainfield emerged from their opening two match slump with a massive 42 shot victory over Glasgow visitors Whiteinch on Saturday and the Hutchison Crossway faithful expect the result to kick start their promotion challenge in the B section of Division 1. “We badly needed this win to ease the pressure we had self inflicted on ourselves but it is only a start and we still have to prove that we can live up to the challenge of being favourites to win promotion”, said team manager John Bell. Bell was happy that all for rinks won but understands that his strongest line up to date was only delivering a result that was expected against a weaker opposition that has yet to register a point. “Whiteinch did compete well over the first nine ends at which stage there was only 3 shots separating us but the carpet had been slow and once it heated up and started to run faster we literally took off and demolished them” described Bell. Winning performances from the rinks skipped by Stevie McLeod , Gavin Smith, Robert Marshall, and Paul O’Donnell put a positive stamp on an encouraging team performance. The final score of 104-62 makes good reading for the Bainfield support but it hides concerns that a spectacular 53-13 domination of the middle 7-end phase masks the disappointing 28-26 loss of the first and a less than flattering 25-21 edging of the third. Stevie McLeod continues to look like a star acquisition from Portobello and emerged the top man for Bainfield as he skipped Derek Smith Willie McDonald and Alan Brown to a super 25 shot victory over George McCartney. McLeod and Co won 15 of the 21 ends having powered into a 23-6 lead after 11-ends then taking a two-end breather before zipping from 23-10 to 36-11. Smith and his rink of Chris Downie Jamie Aitken and Colin Hutchison were slow into their stride as they found the slowness of the home carpet contrary to their expectations so they had work to do at 10-3 down after eight ends to Peter Murray. The transformation came at 8-12 when a 4 to peels sparked an extended run of 3, 3, 1, 1, 2, 1 that propelled them into a 23-12 lead, then they triumphed 24-14. Marshall came into his first match of the campaign ring rusty but he is a master-craftsman and helped by a super 6 at the 14th end kicked on to skip Graeme McIntosh Brian Stoddart and Jamie Gracie to a 21-17 win over Tommy Fox. O’Donnell was also slow off the mark and trailed 10-4 before breezing to 17 with a run of 1, 3, 4, 1, 1, 1, 2 but was crossed 18-17 before skipping Craig Paterson Gary Purdie and Craig Moss to a 23-20 win over Stuart Sloan.( Stewart Meikle 26/10/9)
Bainfield will attempt to pick up the pieces of a broken campaign to date in the indoor bowls B section of Division 1 when they tackle foot of the table Whiteinch with their strongest line up of the season at the Hutchison Crossway stadium tomorrow. Team Manager John Bell welcomes back several big guns in the shape of Robert Marshall, Craig Moss, Stevie McLeod, and Colin Hutchison and is confident that his re-shaped team will deliver the goods. In addition budding teenage stars Jamie Aitken and Neil Watson return to the picture from their recent stint representing Scotland in the Under 18 British Isles International Championships. Aitken makes the team as second to Chris Downie Colin Hutchison and Gavin Smith while Watson will occupy the reserve bench in company with Stuart Patterson Adam Brock Darren Hush and John Kidd. Marshall missed the two opening matches and the international stalwart returns to skip Graeme McIntosh Brian Stoddart and Jamie Gracie while McLeod returns from illness to skip Derek Smith Willie McDonald and Alan Brown. Paul O’Donnell is given the support of returning team captain Craig Moss at third while the front-end comprises Craig Paterson and Gary Purdie. “Collecting one point from a possible four wasn’t quite how we envisaged the start to our promotion challenge however this weeks team is our strongest yet and they will be fired up by the knowledge that we have to get ourselves back in the race”, said Bell.
Balbardie compete in the same division and the Bathgate based side face a tough test at Tweedbank with both teams undefeated but both having dropped a point. Walter McDougall, Ewan Shearer, Graeme Byrne, and Gerry Duggan skip for Balbardie.
Portobello top the B section of Division 2 and bid to complete an opening hat trick of wins when they travel to Allander with a team skipped by Andrew Caldwell, John McDermott, David Brown, and Ian Fleming.
East Lothian had yet to name their team but the four in a row holders of the premier league title are expected to be at full strength for their long trek north to tackle Aberdeen in the B section.
West Lothian top the A section on shot margin from Prestwick and have a hat trick of wins in their sights when crossing the Forth to take on an Abroath team expected to be dangerous at home but still seeking the first points. Thomas Mann makes his season’s debut having returned from honeymoon then a successful trip representing Scotland in the US. Mann has declined to skip and instead lines up at third to Joey Strickland. Ewan Wilson steps down to the reserve bench,
Midlothian enter the lions dent at Prestwick without the unavailable Walker brothers and Scott Matthews is stood down with team manager Frank Gray introducing Ian Brown at third to Graeme Archer and giving a debut to Craig Adamson.
Midlothian IBC host the playdown action of the Ladies Singles Championship over the weekend with the Dalkeith support set to cheer on their club champion Sandra McLeish. Angela Uttley represents the West Lothian banner while Lorraine Malloy (Balbardie), Janet Fairnie (East Lothian), Izzy Dixon (Portobello), and Anna Anderson (Bainfield) complete the local challenge. Holder Julie Forrest of Teviotdale is pursuing a fourth title success in the event ( Stewart Meikle 23/10/9)
The Scottish Bowling Association is the ruling body for an excess of 900 clubs with over 60000 male members and they have appointed a new chief executive in Alan McMillan who assumes his duties on Monday. Mr McMillan takes over the major challenge of sorting out the ills of the sport from Douglas Reid who was the SBA’s first appointment to the post but the two-parted company prematurely earlier this year. The new appointment will be widely welcomed by the bowls community at large although there were pockets of an anti-brigade when the idea of a chief executive officer was first mooted. McMillan though has a lot to commend him as he is a participating sportsman at heart and brings a vast amount of administrative experience to the job having transferred from SportScotland where he was partnership manager for four years. Bowls moves forward very slowly and desperately needs fresh eyes and mind to solve its many challenges in the modern era so there are high expectations from a man who comes from a shinty background but was capped 25 times by Scotland at Badminton. The new Chief Exec has worked at close quarters with a whole range of sports including angling, cycling, badminton, canoeing, football, shinty, and junior golf, in his 18-year spell with sportscotland. He comes to his new post appreciative of the work being carried out by a vast army of volunteers within the sport of bowls and optimistic that plans to unify the two gender associations that govern the sport to work under the one umbrella will get a green light from the grass roots of the game. “Amalgamation should make the sport much stronger across Scotland. Communication is the key thing with so many clubs. There’s a huge volunteer force that has to be supported. There’s a lot of good work done by them, a lot of expertise, and that has to be captured and nurtured.” McMillan, who hails from Renfrewshire, added “I am delighted to get offered the post of Chief Executive and look forward to the challenges that lie ahead. Bowling is a sport that really does offer something and I look forward to working with the SBA , staff officials and members to develop the sport”.
Meanwhile the ladies of Midlothian IBC crashed to a shock home defeat at the hands of Turriff in the A section of the Premier League. Turriff came to Dalkieth having lost their two opening matches whilst Midlothian were undefeated and flying high however the underdogs triumphed 90-74 having dished out defeat to the home rinks skipped by Shona Johnstone and Sandra McLeish. The results being, S Johnstone 14 J Fenty 24; S McLeish 18 E Fraser 26; G McGregor 20 M Legge 19; J Conlan 22 K Gordon 21.
East Lothian’s domination of the East B section of the Seniors League Cup continued yesterday with the runaway table-toppers making it five wins in a row at the expense of West Lothian. West Lothian had home advantage but the Inveralmond stadium isn’t a formidable fortress to penetrate as East Lothian proved with a commanding 75-49 victory. East Lothian held the upper-hand on three rinks with skips Willie Wood MBE, Jock Brodie, and Frankie Gray suppressing the talents of the opposition to enjoy comfortable wins. The resistance from West Lothian was very limited but former cap Peter Ball is still a capable player and he inspired his rink to the home sides only success. The phase scoring paints the perfect picture with East Lothian making a flying start to capture the first 10-ends 53-21 at which stage Ronnie Martin was the only home skip to show ahead. Willie Wood was the major influence on the match and the 71-year old emerged the star of the show by skipping Tony Taylor Gordon Good and John Holmes to a whopping 30-7 win over Alistair Lindsay Stewart Orr George Clark and Tommy Turnbull. Wood’s success embraced several spectacular moments in the shape of a super 6 at the second end followed by mighty 5’s at the eighth, ninth and 16th. Brodie – an Evening News Champion of Champions back in his hey-days – has an inspirational style of play and was in his element to skip Jock Cunningham George McLean and Brian Bissett into an 13-2 lead after 10 ends. They did experience a lull on the run in however and had to settle for a 15-10 win over the stronger finishing Davie Anderson Phil Young Ian Combe and John Murphy. Gray was against the collar at 8-11 but cashed in on a purple patch spell of 2, 3, 4 to skip Eric Denholm Bob McIntosh and Jimmy Smith to a 17-12 win over Ron Purdie John Beresford Colin Russell and Ronnie Martin. WL cheers were reserved for Ball as he conjured up a magic finish of 2, 1, 5, 2 to skip Charlie Sturrock Ray McMahon and Jim Craig to a 20-13 win over Ronnie Kennedy Bill Kerr Ronnie Stevenson and Alistair Russell. Second placed Balbardie are miles off the pace with 5 points to East Lothian’s 10 but had an idle day and have one game in hand while Bainfield occupy third place on shot margin with 4 points in the bank following their 58-43 home win over Midlothian.
Portobello have a game in hand of their city rivals but share the same points mark following a splendid away result to beat Tweedbank 62-57. The Border club share the bottom rung with Midlothian on the 2 points mark while West Lothian sit one point above them.( Stewart Meikle 22/10/9)
The Scottish Bowling Association is the ruling body for an excess of 900 clubs with over 60000 male members and they have appointed a new chief executive in Alan McMillan who assumes his duties on Monday.Mr McMillan takes over the major challenge of sorting out the ills of the sport from Douglas Reid who was the SBA’s first appointment to the post but the two-parted company prematurely earlier this year. The new appointment will be widely welcomed by the bowls community at large although there were pockets of an anti-brigade when the idea of a chief executive officer was first mooted.McMillan though has a lot to commend him as he is a participating sportsman at heart and brings a vast amount of administrative experience to the job having transferred from SportScotland where he was partnership manager for four years. Bowls moves forward very slowly and desperately needs fresh eyes and mind to solve its many challenges in the modern era so there are high expectations from a man who comes from a shinty background but was capped 25 times by Scotland at Badminton.The new Chief Exec has worked at close quarters with a whole range of sports including angling, cycling, badminton, canoeing, football, shinty, and junior golf, in his 18-year spell with sportscotland. He comes to his new post appreciative of the work being carried out by a vast army of volunteers within the sport of bowls and optimistic that plans to unify the two gender associations that govern the sport to work under the one umbrella will get a green light from the grass roots of the game. “Amalgamation should make the sport much stronger across Scotland. Communication is the key thing with so many clubs. There’s a huge volunteer force that has to be supported. There’s a lot of good work done by them, a lot of expertise, and that has to be captured and nurtured.” McMillan, who hails from Renfrewshire, added “I am delighted to get offered the post of Chief Executive and look forward to the challenges that lie ahead. Bowling is a sport that really does offer something and I look forward to working with the SBA , staff officials and members to develop the sport”.
Meanwhile the ladies of Midlothian IBC crashed to a shock home defeat at the hands of Turriff in the A section of the Premier League. Turriff came to Dalkieth having lost their two opening matches whilst Midlothian were undefeated and flying high however the underdogs triumphed 90-74 having dished out defeat to the home rinks skipped by Shona Johnstone and Sandra McLeish. The results being, S Johnstone 14 J Fenty 24; S McLeish 18 E Fraser 26; G McGregor 20 M Legge 19; J Conlan 22 K Gordon 21.
Portobello completed an opening hat trick of wins in the C section of Division 1 with a 79-63 away win over city rivals Bainfield while East Lothian returned from Teviotdale with a 92-67 win; but West Lothian lost 84-68 at Tweedbank.
Balbardie compete in the D section of Division 1 and the Bathgate club scored a good 95-69 win at Cumbernauld.( Stewart Meikle 21/10/9)
There was no joy for leading ladies Wendy Purdie and Mandy O’Donnell when they pit their individual skills against the men in the opening round of the inaugural Champion of Champions indoor bowls event at Arbroath on Sunday. Jointly sponsored by the SIBA and the SWIBA and featuring a select field of 16 players it was hoped that Purdie (West Lothian) and O’Donnell (Bainfield) would make a winning impression to further the cause of mixed competition. But both players had it tough against junior cap Steven Allan of Alloa and full cap Jim McLarrie of Coatbridge respectively, and they lost out in straight sets. Purdie- the ladies No1- did manage to hold Allan to an 8-8 peel in their second set but was under survival pressure from being outgunned 8-3 in the first while O’Donnell became a 12-7, 12-3 victim of McLarrie. The other first round ties saw Robert Grant of Lanarkshire beat Jane Brooksby of Falkirk 11-1, 9-3, and Andrew Barker of Elgin beat his clubmate Graeme Donaldson, 13-4, 7-7. Allan clashed with Grant in the second round and beat his more senior opponent 11-2 , 7-5 while Barker shared his two sets 8-7, 6-10 before beating McLarrie 2-1 on the tie break. The section final also went down to the wire with Allan capturing the first set 10-4 against Barker then losing the second 5-12 before taking the tie break 2-1. The second section is down for decision at Midlothian IBC this Sunday with the grand final taking place at Perth on November 14.
Newbridge bowler Thomas Mann and Iain McLean of Lanarkshire returned from the USA last night having carried the Scotland banner to title success in the Pairs competition of the Michael Ashton-Phillips Challenge played in Southern California. The international field included representation from Canada, China, England, Hong Kong, Israel, Wales and the United States and the McLean/Mann partnership was emulating the success of Darren Burnett and Willie Wood MBE in 2008. Scotland topped the list of qualifiers with 7 wins and 1 peel from their 9 games then they beat Canada in the semi finals and James Talbot and Mark McPeak of Ireland in the final. McLean came closest to emulating the 2006 title success of Midlothian’s David Peacock in the Singles but having reached the semi finals lost out to Charlie Herbert of the USA who went on to beat James Talbot of Ireland in the final. McLean had won 6 and lost 3 in his qualifying section while Mann just missed out on reaching the semis having won 5 and lost 4 in his section play. Mann had flown to the twin Californian venues of Newport Beach and Laguna Beach straight from his honeymoon but in a nice romantic gesture had secretly arranged for his wife to join him on the trip.(Stewart Meikle 20/10/9)
Portobello champion George Johnstone made his exit in the last 16 stage of the playdown action in the national indoor bowls singles championship played at Arbroath over the weekend and his was the best effort on offer from the Edinburgh and Lothian challenge. Johnstone arrived in the second round with two good wins under his belt but his fellow challengers from Bainfield, Balbardie, East Lothian, West Lothian, and Midlothian all suffered early exits The prelim round action saw Johnstone in good form to score a battling 21-17 win over East Lothian challenger Alan Young who was a stand in for unavailable club champion Willie Wood MBE. Johnstone’s next opponent was David Green of Nithsdale who had defeated Chris McGuiness of Coatbridge 21-15 and the Portobello champion cheered up his support with another fine performance to again triumph 21-17. Carrying the Saturday form over into Sunday’s play is a fresh challenge and Johnstone never quite fired on as many cylinders in his clash with Ricky Taylor of Glasgow and the outcome was a 21-12 defeat. An Edinburgh challenge for the title was also in the hands of Bainfield champion Jamie Gracie but the 25-year old failed to live up to high expectations and crashed out in the prelim round a 21-16 victim of the aforementioned Ricky Taylor. Taylor to be fair went on to show good form in the shape of wins over 21 ties capped John Gilmartin of Paisley then George Johnstone before making a 21-14 exit to Gary Johnstone of Auchinleck. Full cap Steven Currie was a strong Midlothian replacement for unavailable champion Colin Walker but there was no joy for the Dalkeith support as they witnessed their man being crushed 21-8 in the prelims by Andrew Furye of Arbroath. Furye was a stand in himself – for title favourite Darren Burnett – and the host club challenger continued to go great guns and wins over Jim Meikle (Lanarkshire), Neil McNally (Tweedbank) and George Lennon (Perth) saw him qualify for the semis.
West Lothian IBC hopes rested with Calum Logan but the 20-year old became another prelim casualty giving 21-17 best to Gary Mackie of East Fife who then beat Stuart Pagan (Abbeyview) and Darren Pirie of Fraserburgh before losing to Andy Duncan of Garioch. Hopes that Balbardie champion Ewan Shearer would make a winning impression were soon dashed in the shape of a 21-16 defeat in the prelims from K Daly of Castlemilk who then lost out to Mark McLees of Inverclyde. Holder Stewart Anderson of Auchinleck dealt exits of Stuart Hogg (Falkirk) and Brian Irvine (Blantyre) before his reign was ended by a 21-18 defeat from Mike Stepney of Elgin. The semi final qualifiers from the field of 53 are, Andrew Furye (Arbroath), Andy Duncan (Garioch), Gary Johnstone(Auchinleck), and Mike Stepney (Elgin).( Stewart Meikle 19/10/9)
Ruling bodies SIBA and SWIBA are joint promoters of the MKD Sportswear sponsored Champion of Champions event that gets underway at Arbroath tomorrow with eight of the 16 challengers for the new title launching the action. There is strong Edinburgh & Lothian interest with Many O’Donnell of Bainfield and Wendy Purdie of West Lothian pitting their skills against the male gender in the opening ties. O’Donnell enters the theatre of opportunity against full cap Jim McLarrie of Coatbridge while Purdie faces junior cap Steven Allan of Alloa both on the 11am session. The other opening matches feature Robert Grant of Lanarkshire v Jane Brooksby of Falkirk, and Graeme Donaldson of Elgin v Andrew Barker of Elgin.
Meanwhile the outdoor code continues to provide headline news with the Scottish Bowling Association active this week in announcing their team for the 2010 Home International series to be played at Worthing. And the formation of the 24 strong team includes good news for three local players with Ewan Shearer of Bo’ness and West Lothian stepped up from the reserve bench and Derek Oliver of Port Seton and East Lothian joined by Graeme Archer of Uphall Station and West Lothian as recalls. Shearer is introduced at lead in a rink that is completed by Iain McLean of Blantyre, Robert Marshall of Slateford, and Grant Logan of Kirkliston while Oliver will play third in the rink of Jim Meikle of Lesmahagow, Colin Walker of Pathhead, and Alex Marshall MBE of Gifford. Archer comes in at skip and given a front three of Colin Peacock (Marchmount), Thomas Mann (Newbridge) and Robert Grant of Overtown & Waterloo, But the not so good news is the omission of Kirklston giant John Aitken who was the hero figure of West Lothian’s capture of the Scottish Counties Championship last season and consequently returned to the international scene after an absence of 10 years. Robert Marshall is the only Edinburgh & Leith player to gain favour with former captain Colin Mitchell of Carrick Knowe a shock omission while Billy Mellors of Goldenacre missed several County games last season and has paid the price by being dropped down to the reserve bench Alister Kennedy (West Barns) and his 71year old clubmate Willie Wood MBE join Oliver and Marshall from the East Lothian reservoir of talent while the Midlothian banner is represented by Colin Walker of Pathhead and David Peacock of Danderhall. West Lothian is six strong with Archer, Shearer and Logan joined by Thomas Mann (Newbridge), Neil Speirs (Kirkliston) and Gary Smith of Linlithgow. George Sneddon of Broxburn continues as team mamager.( Stewart Meikle 17/10/90
Jamie Gracie carries the Bainfield banner into the playdown action of the national singles championship at Arbroath this weekend and the 25-year old champion of the Hutchison Crossway stadium hopes to follow in the most recent footsteps of Graeme Archer. Archer brought the national title to Bainfield in 2000 and going down memory lane the other local names etched on the coveted trophy are, Harry Reston 1966 and 1967, Bob Sutherland 1975, Alex Marshall 1994 and Robert Marshall 1997. Gracie – winner of the Edinburgh Open at Balgreen in 2002 –came through to the capital city as a teenager from Auchinleck and has a cv that includes four junior international series on the indoor scene. The Bainfield champion travels northwards tomorrow to tackle Ricky Taylor of Glasgow IBC in the prelim round action at 1-30pm.The winner will then go on to pit their skills against John Gilmartin of Paisley or Eric Gallon of Aberdeen.
The capital challenge is of course twofold in the shape of Portobello champion George Johnstone and the migrant from Garden County is drawn against a former colleague in Alan Young of East Lothian. Young gets his chance in interesting circumstances as East Lothian champion Willie Wood MBE and runner up John McCrorie were unable to appear so the honour fell to Young as a result of beating fellow semi finalist Scott Kennedy in a recent playoff. An encouraging form line for Young considering Kennedy is a regular Scottish Cap and winner of the national title in 2008. Young plays Johnstone in the prelim round at 1-30pm with the winner next facing Allan Green of Nithsdale or Chris McGuiness of Coatbridge.
Colin Walker is unavailable to represent Midlothian and the 2008 runner up is replaced by fellow cap Steven Currie who is also a player of great standing but facing a real hot potato in the shape of host club champion Darren Burnett. Burnett is already a three times winner of the national title and comes into the championship as favourite to make it four. His prelim round clash with Currie takes place at 9-30am. The winner then tackles Jim Meikle of Lanarkshire or Martin Williamson of Irvine.
Calum Logan represents the West Lothian IBC banner and the 20-year old member of the famous Kirkliston clan faces a prelim round test against the experienced Gary Mackie of East Fife at 9-30am. The reward for the winner is a bash at one of two other serious exponents of the sport in the shape of Abbeyview champion Stuart Pagan or Brian Rattray of Alloa.
Ewan Shearer is more noted as a singles player on the outdoor scene where he has an excellent record in West Lothian so the 36-year old champion of Balbardie IBC will be keen to make an impression under the indoor code. He opens in the prelim round at 9-30am against Castlemilk( Stewart Meikle 16/10/9)
Portobello played host to their Edinburgh derby match against Bainfield yesterday and the home side got their campaign in the East B section of the Seniors League Cup off the mark with a hard fought 67-60 triumph. “We lost our first two matches so this is a welcome success “ said Portobello spokesman Tony McLaren who was a winning skip along with Ronnie Douglas. Bainfield made winning impressions on the rinks skipped by John Summers and Bill Little and they were going such great guns that the visitors held a slight 39-38 advantage after 10 of the 17 ends were completed. McLaren is often regarded as a banker on the home carpet and he certainly delivered in fine style as he made steady headway to lead 14-7 then triumphed 21-7 by skipping John Fraser John McLeod and Ronnie Andrews to a 4, 2, 1 finish against Mike Marshall. The Portobello shot bank was further boosted by Douglas who accelerated to a 14-5 with a run of 1, 1, 3, 2, 2, 1 then skipped Andy Irvine Jim Laing and George Gray to a 19-6 win over Hamish McNeil. BJ Smith and his rink of Eddie Tomany Keith Young and Willie Paul made a great 3, 3 start against Bill Little but the Bainfield skip replied with a spectacular run of 6, 7, 2, 2, to cross 17-6 and went on to triumph 19-15. Summers is a long time gem who continues to sparkle and from 15-12 up he skipped Alex Hunter Les Nicholson and Adam Brock on a run of 2, 2, 3, 4, 2 to triumph 28-12 over Jimmy Marshall Ramsay Stewart Adam Davidson and Alex Walker. Table-toppers East Lothian made it four straight wins with an 84-41 home win over Tweedbank while Balabrdie dealt Midlothian a 64-52 surprise at Dalkeith..
Meanwhile The Balbardie IBC flag will be represented in the final stages of the Scottish 2-Bowl Pairs Championship with local Bathgate champions Andrew Chapman and Ewan Shearer making it though to the last four from the playdown action. The Balbardie duo were on familiar territory at the Inveralmond stadium in Livingston and launched their challenge with a straight sets (2-0) victory over Headwell then added the scalps of Stirling (2-1), East Lothian (2-0), and Midlothian (2-1). Bainfield champions Craig Moss and Paul O’Donnell made a 2-1 exit to Midlothian in the first round while Keith Adamson and Colin Hairs of Portobello lost 2-1 to Falkirk in the prelims. West Lothian IBC held high expectations for their champion duo but the partnership of Calum Logan and Neil Speirs made a disappointing 2-1 exit to Lanarkshire in the prelim round at Whiteinch. Balbardie is joined in the semi finals by Glasgow (Steven Twynholm & David Gourlay), Auchinleck (Colin McBride & Stewart Anderson), and Arbroath (David McGill & Andrew Furye). The semi finals and final takes place at West Of Scotland on the weekend of November 28 and 29.(Stewart Meikle 15/10/9)
Wendy Purdie and her teenage lead Jenifer Richardson will carry the West Lothian IBC banner into the semi final stage of the Ladies 2-Bowl Pairs Championship having been successful in their playdown section at Falkirk on Sunday. Purdie has a fantastic cv that includes national title wins in the Singles (2008), 4-Bowl Pairs (09), Fours (09) and the ex Bainfield star has played six international series in a career that holds promise of more honours to come. The West Lothian champions launched their qualifying challenge with a straight sets win (2-0) over Alloa in the prelim round then remained in tip top form to dish out the same treatment to Abbeyview, East Fife, and Tweedbank. Elsewhere in the section East Lothian duo Agnes heaney and Rose McAinsh delat Alison McDougall and Dorothy Barclay of Bainfield a 2-1 exit in the prelim round but then lost by the same score to Tweedbank. Midlothian made a 2-1 exit to Abbeyview in the prelims and Balbardie by the same score to Tweedbank while Portobello pulled out of the event. The final stages takes place at the West of Scotland stadium over the weekend of November 28 and 29 with West Lothian facing Rhona Jarvis & Pat Clarke of Garioch. The other semi final features Janice McDougal & Michelle Cooper of Ardrossan against Karen Dawson & Ceri Ann Davies of Falkirk.
Meanwhile action in the gents B section of the Premier League saw four-in-a-row defending national champions East Lothian recover from their opening defeat to score an 85-64 win over newly promoted Dundee at the Meadowmill stadium. Whilst the 21 shot margin reflects a comfortable win in the end the early picture told a different story with the major scoreboard showing deficits for Graham Robertson (0-7), Paul Foster (0-8), and Alex Marshall (3-6). However Willie Wood provided a 9-0 stimulus that kept Dundee in sight and by the halfway stage of the match East Lothian had found their form well enough to hold a slender lead that provided the springboard for a strong second half. Marshall only conceded 3 more shots as he galvanised his rink into action and skipped Stuart Wyllie Stevie Thomson and Andy Jeffrey to a 23-9 victory. Foster and his rink of Mally Higgenbotham James Hogg and Scott Kennedy wakened up at 10-1 down and proceeded to transform the picture with a big fight back to triumph 19-13. Robertson also made a strong effort to play his part in the East Lothian revival and he was successful from 6-16 to skip Jamie Higgins Dougie Berwick and Brian Wyllie to a 22-20 triumph. In a strange twist however having led 17-4 and provided the anchor to steady a wobbly ship in the early stages the rink of Colin Cook John Stevenson Derek Oliver and Willie Wood ended up being sunk 22-21. The other results in the section saw Blantyre edge an 81-80 away win over Falkirk and Coatbridge storm to a 121-56 home success over Aberdeen.
Portobello did the business in great style at Headwell where their 93-65 success in the B section of Division 2 was driven by wins for the rinks skipped by Andrew Caldwell, John McDermott, and Stuart Betts. Davy Brown went down to a last end defeat. The other results were, Cumbernauld 111 Teviotdale 56; Fintry 117 Allander 54.
Balbardie stepped up on their opening match way draw at Stirling by beating Whiteinch 82-65 at Bathgate in the B section of Division 1. Tweedbank beat Stirling 94-77.(Stewart Meikle 14/10/9)
West Lothian stepped up their encouraging start to the indoor bowls season with a commanding 33 shot victory (81-48) over chief rivals Midlothian when the teams clashed at Livingston in the A section of the Premier League. Midlothian welcomed back icon figure David Peacock but fellow cap Colin Walker was a late absentee leading to his brother Graham being stepped up to skip while Kevin McDougall was introduced from the bench. West Lothian continued with former cap Joey Strickland at skip in place of honeymooner Thomas Mann while an extra dimension to the match was the return of Graeme Archer to the Inveralmond carpet; but as a Midlothian player. “It is very difficult to win here so our expectations were hopeful rather than confident however I am disappointed that we lost by so many shots”, summed up Midlothian spokesman Frank Gray. West Lothian were well served by wins for the rinks skipped by Mark Allison, George Sneddon, and Neil Speirs while Billy Peacock was successful for Midlothian. The opening 7-end phase was hard fought but edged 25-21 by the home side and that proved a springboard for West Lothian dominating the second, 32-18, and the third, 24-9. The undoubted stars of the show for West Lothian was the rink of Bryan Cooper Ian Laverie Calum Logan and Mark Allison who scored at 16 of the 20 ends completed and contributed a spectacular 29-5 win over the luckless Graham Walker. Walker and his front-three of Steven Currie Scott Matthews and Kevin McDougall showed 3-2 ahead after five ends but a barren spell that lasted 10-ends saw the scoreline transformed into a 24-3 advantage for Allison and Co. Allison was relentless in dishing out the punishment and he answered the loss of a 2 with a 1, 2, 1, 4 finish. The luck of the draw pitched Sneddon against former colleague Archer and the smiles were on the West Lothian faces as the home icon skipped Cameron Greer David Wilson and Stuart Johnston to a 10 shot victory. Archer and his rink of Calum Crawford David Salkeld and Willie Rankin soon faced a mountain to climb as Sneddon made steady progress to lead 17-7 then in an 18-end game the home rink triumphed 20-10. Speirs had things much tougher against Martin Wyllie Robert Trench Lindsay Plenderleith and David Peacock who had the home skip against the collar at 14-11 after 16-ends. The landscape changed over the next three ends however with Speirs skipping Ewan Wilson Paul Lynas and James Speirs to a 1, 3, 2 finish that pinched a 17-14 victory. Billy Peacock made Midlothian’s major impression on the opposition as he skipped Ronnie Duncan Drew Pearson and Sandy Knight into a 15-6 lead over Richard Mark Raymond Logan Des Hagart and Joey Strickland. Strickland though did claw back some of the leeway and restricted Peacock to a 19-15 victory. Elsewhere in the A section, Lanarkshire beat Arbroath away, 81-68; and Prestwick beat Auchinleck away, 76-69.(Stewart Meikle 13/10/9)
Bainfield’s campaign to gain promotion from the B section of Division 1 of the national indoor bowls league system isn’t in crisis despite the firm favourites making a wobbly start and suffering a shock defeat at Alloa on Saturday. Alloa showed good form and battled well to inflict 79-75 pain on a Bainfield team that was already depleted in strength before the late call off from an unwell Stevie McLeod added to their woe’s. “It’s a game we wanted to win and were expected to win so losing is a major blow however there are mitigating circumstances with the absence of so many first team players “, summed up team manager John Bell. “And although it might sound strange to say I thought there were some positives as the team showed good heart in adversity and the stand ins showed encouraging signs of high performance levels” he added. “We might well have stolen the points as Gavin Smith produced a tremendous last bowl strike that might have converted defeat into victory but a horrendous outcome saw the jack rebound and he lost a 6 instead”, described Bell It is Bell’s view that despite having earned only one point from four over the two opening matches the Bainfield challenge will improve immensely as soon as the team welcomes back Robert Marshall, Colin Hutchison, Craig Moss, and Stevie McLeod in particular. “I am still confident we can recapture our Premier League status as there is a long way to go and we can make up the lost ground once we have a settled formation”. The rinks skipped by Alan Brown and Jamie Gracie did produce wins for Bainfield but didn’t manage to cover the defeat of Paul O’Donnell and Gavin Smith. The phase scoring points to a ding-dong battle fought out on a tightrope with Alloa edging the first, 29-22 and the third, 31-25 but Bainfield keeping themselves bang in the picture with a 28-19 success on the second. Brown clicked for a six at the eighth end to lead 10-5 and was suitably inspired to skip Derek Smith Adam Brock and Alan Trotter to a 22-12 win over Brian Ramage.Gracie made good space from 9-10 to 17-11 but still needed a 3, 1, 2 finish to skip Graeme McIntosh Paul Millar and Brian Stoddart to a 24-19 win over Stuart Pearson. O’Donnell and his rink of Craig Paterson Stuart Patterson and Willie McDonald were nip and tuck all the way and lost 2 at the last to be piped 19-18 by Alan Murray. Smith and his front three of Chris Downie John Kidd and Gary Purdie came close to being the last gasp heroes but in truth were always against the collar in a heavy 29-11 defeat from Ian Inglis. Elsewhere, Balbardie beat Whiteinch, 82-65, and Tweedbank beat Stirling, 94-77.( Stewart Meikle 12/10/9)
Bainfield travel to Alloa tomorrow in the B section of the gents indoor bowls Division 1 League and team manager John Bell is looking for an improved performance to deliver a first win of the campaign for the promotion favourites. “Having just scrambled a draw in our opening home game the players know it is vital to start the winning habit and they have learned the hard way that complacency is our number one enemy”, said Bell “Robert Marshall continues to be an absentee and we have lost the services of Colin Hutchison and team captain Craig Moss this weekend however on the plus side there is a return to action by Jamie Gracie and Gary Purdie”, he added. Bell has had to reshaped his team and the new line up reads, Rink 1. Craig Paterson Stuart Patterson Willie McDonald and Paul O’Donnell. Rink 2. Alan Trotter Adam Brock Alan Brown and Stevie McLeod. Rink 3. Graeme McIntosh Derek Smith Brian Stoddart and Jamie Gracie. Rink 4. Chris Downie John Kidd Gary Purdie and Gavin Smith.
Balbardie entertain Whiteinch at Bathgate while Tweedbank are at home to Stirling .
East Lothian’s defence of the premier league title got off to a shaky start last weekend with an away defeat at Blantyre however normal services is expected to be resumed when they take on Dundee at the Meadowmill stadium in the B section. Two enforced changes are made with Dougie Berwick and Colin Cook introduced to cover the loss of Mark Johnston and David Oliver while international stars Graham Robertson, Paul Foster, Alex Marshall MBE, and Willie Wood MBE are the skips. The other fixtures are, Coatbridge v Aberdeen and Falkirk v Blantyre.
The ‘match of the day’ comes in the A section of the premier league with West Lothian clashing with Midlothian at Livingston. Both clubs won their opening fixture. West Lothian make one change from the team that beat Lanarkshire away with Bryan Cooper coming in to lead at the expense of James Greenock in the rink skipped by Mark Allison. Thomas Mann remains an enforced absentee. Midlothian welcome icon figure David Peacock back into the ranks and he takes over at skip from Willie Rankin who is switched to play third to Graeme Archer. Team Manager Frank Gray also brings David Salkeld back into the scheme of things and the two players stood down to the reserve bench are Ramsay Blair and Kevin McDougall.
Portobello aim to make it two wins in a row when the mainly young team captained by Robert Wood travel to Headwell in the B section of Division 2.( Stewart Meikle 9/10/9)
Former World champion Carol Ashby has joined the ranks of Midlothian IBC and the exceptionally talented bowler made a successful debut in the Premier League division of the national leagues playing third to Scottish Cap Agnes Melrose. The geography of the English star has changed to the benefit of the already formidable Midlothian ladies team who will expect their new colleague to become a major asset in their quest to regain the national title.There is also delight at the Dalkeith stadium that high profile local star Dot Low has also signed up with Midlothian and the former winner of the Edinburgh Open at Balgreen also made her debut a winning one. Midlothian travelled to Methil for their opening match in the A section and scored a comfortable 83-61 victory with wins for the rinks skipped by Sandra McLeish, Melrose, and Janette Conlan. Grace McGregor though did taste defeat. McLeish emerged the high-flyer and the positive signals came early as she skipped Lorraine Grant Norma Shillinglaw and Low into a 11-0 lead after seven ends against Betty Mitchell. There was no stopping McLeish and Co who went on to win 21-8. Melrose found life a bit tougher against Anne Bone and having led 10-5 ten faced a 14-11 deficit before skipping Stacey Laidlaw Mary Holmes and Ashby to an impressive 24-13 triumph. Conlan made a great start to skip Kelly McDougall Margaret Peacock and Shona Johnstone into an 11-2 lead over Julie Sword then answered growing pressure at 14-12 with a 4 and went on to win 21-14. McGregor and her rink of Gaynor Blair Dorothy Millar and Sandra Wilson were always chasing their game but hung in well enough before losing 24-17 to Lyn Stein.
The Ladies of West Lothian IBC launched their competitive season with a convincing 91-70 victory over Teviotdale at the Inveralmond stadium in the C section of Division I of the League Cup. Wins for the rinks skipped by Lily Sword and Wendy Purdie carried the day over a peel for Ann Clark and a defeat for Jennifer Sneddon. Sword had the sharpest cutting edge as she skipped June Thorburn Creena Docherty and Jenifer Richardson into a 14-3 lead after eight ends then onto a 27-12 win over Irene Bennet. Purdie was engaged in a battle royal with Julie Forrest and trailed 17-14 before finding a higher gear to skip Helen Meldrum Jean McPherson and Lisa Barrett to a 24-17 win. Clark and her rink of Irene Taylor Isabel Lindsay and Margaret Oliver finished 2, 1, 1 to rescue a 16-16 peel with Betty Gibson while Lucy Noon Betty Tate Helen Tully and Sneddon conceded 1,2 on the run in to be piped 25-24 by Caroline Hogarth. The other results in the section were, East Lothian 78 Portobello 95; and Tweedbank 77 Bainfield 75.
Meanwhile Balbardie IBC opened in section D with an excellent 90-64 home win over Stirling. The other results were, Fintry 94 Whiteinch 71; Cumbernauld 68 Allander 77( Stewart Meikle 8/10/9)
Midlothian opened their campaign in section A of the indoor bowls Premier League with an encouraging 74-60 win over Auchinleck at Dalkeith having lined up without the services of Ian Brown and icon figure David Peacock. Graeme Archer is a significant capture from West Lothian but his debut ended in Midlothian’s only defeat with winning performances served up by the rinks skipped by Willie Rankin, Billy Peacock, and Colin Walker. Rankin skipped Martin Wyllie Robert Trench Jun and Lindsay Plenderleith to an inspiring 28-12 win over Derek McClue having stamped their authority with a 3, 4, (1), 1 finsh. Peacock skipped Ronnie Duncan Drew Pearson and team captain Sandy Knight into a 12-8 lead over Stuart Anderson after 12-ends then battled on to win 17-13. Walker skipped Steven Currie Scott Matthews and Graham Walker to an 18-13 win over George Johnstone while Calum Crawford Ramsay Blair Kevin McDougall and Archer lost 22-11 to Dave Watson. “I expect Graeme (Archer) to quickly develop into a major asset for us and overall this was a sound team performance from us although someone will make way for the return of David Peacock “, summed up Frank Gary for Midlothian.
West Lothian IBC launched their campaign in section A of the Premier League with an 80-69 win over Lanarkshire at Wishaw and that was a great result on an away carpet against difficult opposition. Wins for the rinks skipped by Joey Strickland and George Sneddon proved enough to secure the point’s as setbacks for Neil Speirs and Mark Allison were narrow margin defeats. West Lothian lost the first 7- end phase 29-26, but Strickland was already prominent with a 12-5 contribution, then stepped up the pace to capture the second phase 33-22 and the third, 21-18. Strickland and his rink of Richard Mark Raymond Logan and Des Hagart emerged the headline makers as they made a great start to lead John Simpson 16-5 after eight ends then answered pressure at 17-15 with a strong finish to win 27-16. Sneddon dropped a 5 at the first and trailed 15-5 before getting into gear but he do to great effect as he skipped Cameron Greer David Wilson and Stuart Johnston to a 21-17 win over home icon Robert Grant. Allison and his rink of James Greenock Ian Laverie and Calum Logan had much work to do at 9-3 down after seven ends to R Gordon but they hit back to cross 12-10 before slipping to a 17-15 defeat. Speirs made an encouraging start to skip Ewan Wilson Paul Lynas and James Speirs into a 7-1 lead over John Meikle and they were still in control at 16-10 after 15– ends but were outgunned on the run in and lost 19-17.
Blantyre are hot stuff on their own carpet so the 73-60 defeat suffered by defending PL champions East Lothian may not be as surprising or disappointing as it first looks.
Willie Wood MBE (+3) and Graham Robertson (+2) did manage to skip their rinks to narrow wins however Blantyre inflicted damaging 13 and 5 shot defeats on Paul Foster and Alex Marshall MBE respectively. “We were beaten fair and square so have no complaints however we are disappointed and aim to resume winning ways quickly”, said team captain James Hogg.
Balbardie fought out an 82-82 away draw with Stirling in the B section of Division 1.( Stewart Meikle 7/10/9)
Last Bowl drama resulted in Bainfield securing a point against Scottish Cup champions Tweedbank in section B of Division 1 of the national indoor bowls leagues but the 84-84 peel at home was deemed to be a disappointing start to the campaign for the capital side. With three rinks off, skip Gavin Smith was left isolated on the carpet facing the dilemma of whether to risk a dangerous take out to win or lose the match or play safe and settle for a share of the points. Smith opted to draw rather than use force and his safety first tactic resulted in an unaltered head and the loss of a single to the opposition. “Gavin found himself in an unenviable position of being the hero or villain and I think with his experience he made the wise choice as losing both points would have been a morale crusher for us”, said team manager John Bell. “We have to win our home games though and having dropped down from the Premier League a bit surprisingly we should be good enough to make this place into fortress Hutchison Crossway stadium”, he added. Bell’s disappointment at dropping a home point is tempered by the fact that having just returned from holiday he was confronted by the loss of leading lights Jamie Gracie, Gary Purdie, Darren Hush, and Robert Marshall from his original selection. “We drafted in Stuart Patterson, Willie McDonald, Derek Smith, and Neil Watson then made several positional changes but it was patchwork stuff and not the ideal preparation for tackling a competitive opposition”, explained Bell. Yet with 14 of the 21 ends played the Bainfield faithful were in a confident and cheerful mood with the home team seemingly comfortably in charge with a 17 shot lead. “It is greatly to the credit of Tweedbank that they fought back and wiped out our lead and they were probably unlucky not to win but from my perspective Bainfield should not be collapsing like they did on their home carpet”, said Bell. The early signs had been ominous with Bainfield only edging the first seven end phase by 3 shots (26-23) then a 14 shot addition (34-20) on the second phase proved false premise with Tweedbank capturing the third, 41-24. Bainfield should have been inspired by a good double figure win for Smith supported by a narrow success for Paul O’Donnell but Tweedbank turned the tables against Stevie McLeod and Craig Moss. Smith gave full expression to his skills with an exciting first half performance to skip Chris Downie Jamie Aitken and Colin Hutchison into a 19-4 lead over Robert Crawford after 11-ends. Crawford then enjoyed a purple patch spell to close to 21-14 but Smith ended it with a super six and went on to clinch a 29-15 victory. O’Donnell carded a five at the eighth end but was in 12-17 trouble after 14 then peeled at 18 and added two singles to lead before losing a 7 and replying with a 6 to skip Craig Paterson Stuart Patterson and Willie McDonald to a 26-25 win over Alistair White. Moss- team captain- had Graeme McIntosh Derek Smith and Brian Stoddart in touch at 14-14 but lost a 17-15 battle to Stuart White. McLeod and his rink of Neil Watson Alan Trotter and Alan Brown looked to be in a comfort zone at 14-8 up after 14-ends but fell asleep and waken up to a 27-14 defeat from the strong finishing Kenny Johnstone.( Stewart Meikle 6/10/9)
Portobello made a flying start to their campaign in section B of the Division 2 national indoor bowls league with Fintry the victims as the home side rattled up a 115-64 victory in Saturday’s opening fixture.Wins on three rinks - skipped by John McDermott, Andrew Caldwell, and Davy Brown - put Portobello on easy street while the remaining rink skipped by Stuart Betts finished peels. The pre-match team news was that teenagers Donald Forsyth and Gavin Rogers were introduced for their debut while stadium stars Darren McKenny, Euan Murray, Ian Fleming, and Kerr McKail were enforced absentees. Daniel Gormley, Jamie Reid, and Daniel Johnston are other teenagers in a generally young Portobello team that also has two 23-year olds in Caldwell and McDermott but the team captaincy is in the hands of more senior figure Robert Wood “Our mission this season is to gain promotion as we have tasted life in the higher divisions before and having introduced some fresh talent to our ranks the place is buzzing and there is a strong desire to start the climbing process”, informed Wood. Porty’s determination was evident over the first seven ends with the home side blazing a 42-17 trail then a quieter period produced a 35-29 return on the second phase leading to a 38-18 acceleration on the third. McDermott emerged the headline performer as he dashed into a 12-1 lead after seven ends then went on to card two mighty 5’s as skipped Robert Wood Davy McLeod and BJ Smith to a whopping 34-9 win over D Buchanan. Brown also went to town over the first seven ends but his 10-2 lead was wiped out to stand 16-10 down before a powerful 2, 3, 1, 1, 4, 3, 5, 1 revival saw him skip Daniel Gormley Andrew Davie and George Johnstone to a 30-17 win over R McKay. Both skips however were operating in the shadow of Caldwell over the first 14-ends with the junior outdoor cap inflicting heavy 26-4 punishment on Archie Strang before skipping Jamie Reid Donald Forsyth and Craig McCall to a 27-14 success. Betts was well off the pace at 19-8 down after 11-ends but a strong 1, 3, 4, 1, 5, 1 recovery helped him skip Daniel Johnston Gavin Rogers and Willie Hogg to a 24-24 share with S Whiton.
Andrew Caldwell was back in action yesterday but the 23-year old suffered a straight sets defeat from 70-year old legend Willie Wood MBE at Falkirk in their play off for a place in January’s World Singles Championship.( Stewart Meikle 5/10/9)
Bainfield’s mission to achieve a quick return to the Premier League of Scotland’s indoor bowls set up starts tomorrow and home advantage against Tweedbank gives them a favourites chance of making a winning start to the Division 1 section B campaign. The return of John Bell to manage the team is being hailed as being worth an extra man by the faithful of the Hutchison Crossway stadium as he has a strong heartbeat and passion for Bainfield. Bell’s experience, drive, and enthusiasm is expected to stimulate the efforts of what is a strong squad and his immediate influence over team matters is highlighted by a return to the fold of major talents Gary Purdie and Darren Hush. Bell is also a great encourager of youth however and he demonstrates that by introducing teenager Jamie Aitken with the 17-year old already on a high following his selection the represent Scotland at Under 18 level. “It is important that we hit the ground running as three of our four opening games are at home so my first team selection is geared towards the creation of a blend based as much as possible on player familiarity”, explained Bell. The team is promisingly strong on paper and reads.
Rink 1. Graeme McIntosh Gary Purdie Brian Stoddart and Robert Marshall. Rink 2. Craig Paterson Darren Hush Craig Moss and Paul O’Donnell. Rink 3. Chris Downie Jamie Aitken Colin Hutchison and Gavin Smith. Rink 4. Jamie Gracie Alan Trotter Alan Brown and Stevie McLeod.
Craig Moss will captain the team while the other fixtures in the section are, Whiteinch v Alloa, and Stirling v Balbardie.
Balbardie have also flirted with Premier League status but are expected to play second fiddle to Bainfield in the promotion race. The Bathgate based team face a tough opening away test and will do without leading lights Ewan Shearer, David Lawrie, and Iain Grant. Their line up reads, Rink 1. Gary Orr Kenny Martin Andy Forrest and Walter McDougall. Rink 2. Lawson Trotter Alistair Wilson Diz Drysdale and Sandy McDougall. Rink 3. Mark Bonnar Ritchie Templeton Jim Speirs and Gerry Duggan. Rink 4. Colin Fraser Davy Ross Ian Drysdale and Graeme Byrne.
East Lothian are the major force on the Scottish scene and the holders of the Premier League title open their section B campaign with a testing visit to Blantyre. And with most of the strength within the Meadowmill stadium available for selection the selectors have put an awesome looking team together. It reads, Rink 1. Jamie Higgins David Oliver Brian Wyllie and Graham Robertson. Rink 2. Stuart Wyllie Steven A Thomson Andy Jeffrey and Alex Marshall MBE. Rink 3. Mally Higgenbotham James Hogg Scott Kennedy and Paul Foster. Rink 4. Mark Johnston John Stevenson Derek Oliver and Willie Wood MBE.
West Lothian often failed to shine last season and the Livingston based outfit open their campaign in section A of the Premier League without the services of Thomas Mann , Ricky Forrest, Gary Smith, and Graeme Archer. Lanarkshire at Wishaw will provide tough opposition for a WL team that reads, Rink 1. Ewan Wilson Paul Lyness James Speirs and Neil Speirs. Rink 2. Cameron Greer David Wilson Stuart Johnston and George Sneddon. Rink 3. Richard Mark Ray Logan Des Hagrat and Joey Strickland. Rink 4. James Greenock Ian Laverie Calum Logan and Mark Allison.
Midlothian are believed to have inherited Archer from West Lothian and the Dalkeith based team open in the same section at home to Auchinleck while Portobello are at home to Fintry in the B section of Division 2.( Stewart Meikle 2/10/9)
Midlothian have bounced back from an opening home defeat from great rivals East Lothian by scoring a 16 shot away victory (67-51) over Portobello yesterday in the East B section of the Scottish, indoor bowls, Seniors League Cup. The visitors posted wins on three of their rinks- skipped by Bill Ballantine, Alex Cox, and Frank Gray – whilst Ronnie Douglas made a winning impression for Portobello. “It’s good to get our section campaign onto a winning note and to do that on an away carpet builds confidence for the tough task that lies ahead as East Lothian will take all the catching”, said Frank Gray for Midlothian. Midlothian’s chief eye-catcher was Bill Ballentine as he carded shots at 12 of the 17 ends as he skipped G Thomson C Cairns and former cap Billy Higgins to a 22-6 win over Bob Cranston John McLeod John Fraser and Alex Walker. Ballentine’s 16 shot win was the result that tipped the match scales as Ronnie Douglas had put Porty in the picture by skipping Andy Irvine Jim Laing and George Gray to a 22-15 success over Alex Grant Hugh Christie Tom Anderson and Willie Dunn. Alex Cox also had the good measure of the home opposition and led 10-4 before going on to skip George Blaikie George McGauley and Bill Matthews to a 16-10 win over Eddy Tomany Jim Railton BJ Smith and the celebrated Willie Paul. Frank Gray was much harder pressed and it took a single at the last for him to skip Bill Meikle John Harrower and Jim Flockhart to a 14-13 win over Jimmy Marshall Adam Davidson Ian Paterson and Ronnie Andrews. East Lothian are the favourites to finish top of the East B section and supporting evidence was provided in the shape of a commanding 69-45 home win over Balbardie and already the ‘Garden County’ team are sitting top of the table. Their 4 points from two games puts them one ahead of West Lothian who stepped up on their opening peel with Balbardie by producing a convincing 70-54 win over Bainfield at the Inveralmond stadium.
Meanwhile an extra place at the table of the World Indoor Singles at Potters Leisure Resort come January has become available to the Scottish qualifiers and that means an extra bite of the cherry for Willie Wood MBE and Andrew Caldwell. Both lost out in the recent section finals and the clash between the respective East Lothian and Portobello stars takes place at Falkirk this Sunday at 11-30am.
East Lothian IBC have handed an unusual second opportunity to last seasons championship semi final losers Scott Kennedy and Alan Young to represent the club in the Scottish Singles Champion Willie Wood and runner up John McCrorie are both unable to take their chance so Kennedy and Young will clash for the honour at the Meadowmill stadium tomorrow night. (6-30pm).
Bowlers looking for a unique diary that spans the 16 months from October 2009 to December 2010 have the answer in the recently launched Alex ‘Tattie’ Marshall diary that includes a short profile of the MBE’s career. The classic slim line diary is a boon to the competitor and spectator alike as it displays one week to a double page allowing good space and features dates to remember and useful tips for all – gents, ladies, and juniors, alike. Anyone wishing to get their hands on one should email, alexmarshall249@sky.com or telephone 0781 344 2362.( Stewart Meikle 1/10/9)
Looking for a diary? Then why not get your hands on the newly launched Alex ‘Tattie’ Marshall diary. This is a 16-month diary that spans the months October 2009 to December 2010 inclusive and therefore embraces the forthcoming indoor season, next year's outdoor season and half the 2010 indoor season. The diary also features dates to remember, useful tips and a short profile of Alex’s career. The classic slim line pocket diary displays one week to a double page giving you plenty on space to plan your games and social activities in the coming months. The diary is suitable for everyone, gents, ladies and juniors. To order simply e-mail alexmarshall249@sky.com or telephone 07813442362.
Balgreen Ladies Bowling Club remains strong and vibrant 60 years after its birth in 1949 and the diamond anniversary celebrations were incorporated in yesterday’s annual presentation of prizes ceremony. The popular Balgreen complex itself was the venue for the great occasion and club president Margaret Campbell extended a warm welcome to the company of 27 members and guests assembled to recognise the jubilee milestone. “We had a special cake baked in recognition of reaching our historical landmark and the cutting honours were given to Maisie Light and Jean McMann as both have been members of the club for 25 years”, informed Mrs Campbell. Balgreen Ladies is a stalwart member of the Edinburgh Ladies Public Bowling Association and compete in a league that includes Bellevue (Powderhall), Stenhouse and Victoria. Margaret Campbell came close to achieving an across the board President/Champion double in this special year however just missed out on a fifth championship success when losing to Barbara Murphy in the final. “Babs was defending the title and beat me fair and square in the final to become a very worthy jubilee champion”, said the president. The Milennium Cup is a 3 bowl singles event and the second major trophy on the club’s domestic scene and the proud recipient of that was Jean Watt who emulated a previous success with a triumph over Betty Henderson in the final. The Jean Scott Shield is another singles event and the tough competitive nature of the Balgreen Ladies was illustrated by yet another name featuring on the prize list in the shape of Nancy Hunter who defeated Isabel Messer in the final. Margaret Campbell did get her name on the jubilee year honours list by way of skipping Nancy Hunter to the Pairs title at the chief expense of Cathy Ferri and Barbara Gray in the final. “Bowls is a wonderful sport to play and brings us all great fun here during the Summer months and although the club is financially sound and has a healthy membership base we will extend a warm welcome to any new faces”, summed up the President.( Stewart Meikle 23/9/9)
John Bell is set to return to the fold at Bainfield IBC and will take charge of the gents team for the start of the Scottish League Division 1B campaign that gets underway with a home match at the Hutchison Crossway stadium against Tweedbank a fortnight tomorrow. “I missed being part of the scene last season and was heart-broken to see the team slip out of the Premier Division as they are better than that so my ambition is to take them back up to where they belong”, said Bell. “Nothing can be taken for granted as our section of Division 1 is sure to be competitive but we remain a young team full of desire and my job is to inspire them to making their undoubted class count when the chips are down”, he added. Last year the selection duties were shared by top skips Paul O’Donnell and Gavin Smith and the reaction from O’Donnell is “ It is good that John is back as team manager as that allows Gavin and myself to concentrate on the playing side”. Whiteinch, Alloa, Stirling and Balbardie join Tweedbank as the threat to Bainfield’s challenge for promotion.
Meanwhile East Lothian have crowned their 2009 Champion of Champions in the shape of Alastair Russell with the king pin of Aberlady clinching the title with a 21-16 win over Stuart Cuthill of Macmerry in the final at Port Seton. The 22-end final was nip and tuck in the early stages with peels called at 7-7 then Russell edging a 14-13 lead before making telling space with a 4 to 18 then trading a double to stand 20-15 up. “I am absolutely delighted to be the Champion of Champions of my County and it represents the pinnacle of my career to date”, said Russell who had reached the final by surviving a 21-20 thriller against Raymond Frame of Castlepark.
Bainfield’s lean season in the First Sixteen’s of the Water of Leith League was compensated somewhat by the performance of John Douglas who captured the Singles title in the recent Knockout Championships with a 21-10 win over Andy Beath of Carrick Knowe. And their celebrations became twofold with Craig Paterson and Paul O’Donnell bringing them success in the Pairs at the 19-16 expense of Carrick Knowe duo John Priestley and Darren Hush. It was a close call with Bainfield clinching the title with a double at the last. Beechwood triggered the victory salute in the Triples and it came early with Brian Canney skipping Keith Smith and Tom Ritchie to a 20-5 win over David Henderson Ron Duguid and Jim Wight of Balerno. Carrick Knowe did make it third time lucky with former Scotland captain Colim Mitchell in the limelight as he skipped Craig Aitken Ray Smith and Kevin Tennant to a 24-15 win over Paul Fleming Bob Hain Dean Fleming and Charlie Fleming of Currie.( Stewart Meikle 18/9/9)
Carrick Knowe Bowling Club staged its annual Member and Guest Invitation Pairs tournament from Monday to Wednesday this week and last bowl drama brought an exciting climax to the final of the £800 event sponsored by Belhaven Best. Ex Hearts man Walter Borthwick of Juniper Green emerged the hero figure as he skipped Ricky Juner of the host club to a thrilling 10-9 victory over Clive Glass and Gordon Logan (Kirkliston) in last night’s final. Logan and Glass had done extremely well to recover from a 6-0 deficit to lead 7-6 and still held the upper hand at 9-8 entering the last end then the £360 winners prize looked destined for their pockets when building a up a hold of 2 shots. But Borthwick stole the show, and the top money, by rising above the pressure to draw two excellent shots for a memorable victory. Earlier in the evening the Juner/Borthwick partnership had escaped by the skin of their teeth in the quarterfinals having carded a single at the last to edge a 5-4 win over title favourites Steven Thomson (Castlepark) and James Hogg. Their opposition in the semi final came from Paul Miller (Bainfield) and Darren Hush who had stolen an 8-0 march on the fancied Robert Mitchell and John McDermott (Sighthill) to win their quarterfinal, 9-2. The semi final clash produced a 3-3 share of the early exchanges but Juner/Borthwick tipped the scales with a run of 2, 2, 1 and triumphed 8-4. Meanwhile the Glass/Logan challenge was stepped up by a nail biting 7-6 success over Alex Scott and Gordon Birnie (Corstorphine) in the quarters followed by a great 8-2 win over the Higgins brothers, Brian and Alex (Maitland) in the semis. Higgins and Higgins are a competitive duo that had promised much with a good 7-3 win over Colin Elder and Jimmy Bathgate in their quarterfinal. “We had an excellent entry of 63 pairs and the club has been buzzing the last three nights and we have our long standing floodlight system to thank for making it all possible” summed up co-organiser Darren Hush.
Gordon Logan may have been forced to play second fiddle in the final at Carrick Knowe but enjoyed better fortune at the weekend when joined by his brother Ian at second and son Grant at skip they scooped the first prize in the Invitation Triples event at Tanfield. The Kirkliston trio were in tip top form all day and having qualified for the knockout stage stepped up their challenge with a 7-3 win over Terry Luscombe Malcolm Thompson and Willie King of Goldenacre in the quarterfinals. The trio continued to fly in the semis and on a fast running green that attracted praise from all the top stars on parade they proceeded to score a commanding 9-2 win over Tanfield aces Alex Thompson Graeme McIntosh and Graham Munro. The final should have been a cracker but the ‘Logan’s Run’ was set to continue in great style and their 8-1 triumph left East Lothian stars Billy Dunleavey Alister Kennedy and Angus Blair without a look in. Blair and Co had ended the challenge of Tam Morris Paul Miller and Paul O’Donnell in the semi final while O’Donnell and Co had earlier eliminated David Oliver Steven Morgan and Derek Oliver of Port Seton. Defending champions Billy Mellors Alex Marshall MBE and Paul Foster failed to survive the group stage while other notables to make an early departure included city trio Brian Lockhart Stevie Kirk and George Kirk. “Tanfield benefit greatly from this type of event and it is set to continue” said co-organiser Mally Higgenbotham. ( Stewart Meikle 17/9/9)
Paul O’Donnell is still buzzing from his successful debut for Scotland in the recent Junior International series played down in Wales and the 23-year old Bainfield star continued to sparkle by capturing his club’s Under 25 Singles title last night. O’Donnell was bidding to complete a magnificent seven Under 25 title wins in a row on the domestic scene but it looked dicey for him when trailing Ross Neil 6-1 then again when collapsing from 13-6 up to 15-13 down. “Ross was giving me a good run for my money but I had a strong incentive to win and managed to step up another gear and accelerate to 21 with a run of 2, 2, 3,1 “, described O’Donnell. The incentive referred to was to write the final chapter in an amazing outdoor season that saw O’Donnell complete a spectacular clean sweep of all the national qualifying events, namely the Singles, Junior Singles, Pairs, Triples, Fours, and the Mixed Pairs. “I have my critics in the sport so I admit to being chuffed with my success at Bainfield especially as with the exception of the Mixed Pairs it’s the second time I have done the gents clean sweep having won them all as a 17 year old” Had it all been achieved in England he could have played in all six disciplines however the Scottish system restricts him to the Mixed Pairs plus one. “ The Junior Singles is my choice for next seasons nationals as it will be the last chance saloon for me in that grade”, declared O’Donnell last night. The O’Donnell achievement is worth recounting starting with his nail biting 21-20 win over defending champion Gary Purdie to win the club championship for a fourth time. O’Donnell skipped Craig Patterson to success in the Pairs also Brian Stoddart and Gary Purdie in the Triples, and Gary Purdie Paul Miller and Brian Stoddart in the Fours. “ I was really pleased when I skipped my younger sister Mandy to the Mixed Pairs title as we normally crash out in the first round and blame each other but now our target is to bring the Scottish title back to Bainfield”. The hectic schedule of committed competitors like O’Donnell was perfectly highlighted last night when on completion of his final at Bainfield he dashed to Carrick Knowe to play in the FloodLight Member and Guest Pairs event. O’Donnell teamed up with the noted John Priestley and skipped his to two wins in the Belhaven Best sponsored event. “That has taken us through to the last 16 stage so my outdoor season isn’t quite finished yet”, concluded Bainfield’s ‘young man of the moment’ (Stewart Meikle 16/9/9)
Steven Fleming of Linlithgow Bowling Club battled his way through a 28 strong field at a sun swept Blackburn over the weekend to capture the Matt Purdie & Sons sponsored 2009 WLBA Champion of Champions title. The 37-year old Linlithgow champion etched his name on the prestigious crown at the 21-11 expense of Pumpherston challenger Derek Wardrop in a final that lasted 21-ends. “I am chuffed to bits” was the brief response of Fleming who is a prominent player in West Lothian circles having reached the final of the WL Masters in 2006 and a regular member of the Hamilton Trophy team. Wardrop, a national pairs runner up in 1998, was tasting defeat in the final for a second time having lost to another Linlithgow champion (Graham Laurie) back in 1992. The end of season showcase event was held over one week due to adverse weather thereby knocking out the challenge of Thomas Mann (Newbridge), Ross Agnew (Letham), Kenny Miller (Buchan Park), G Sheridan (West Calder) and Peter Harrison of Kinneil. The Management Committee of the West Lothian Bowling Association did allow the previously unavailable Derek Wardrop of Pumpherston and Brian Campbell of Ratho to come in as replacements. Fleming launched his bid for the title with a commanding 21-8 win over W McElhinney of Oakbank and followed up with a 21-7 success over W Smith of Harrysmuir to reach the quarterfinals. Wardrop found himself 13-4 adrift to Colin Fraser of Whitburn in the first round but engaged higher gears to accelerate to a 21-17 win then booked his place in the last 8 line up at the 21-9 expense of Mid Calder champion J Gow. Frazer Muirhead of Uphall Station, the national champion of 1981, was a shock first round casualty losing 21-19 to C Sturrock of Polbeth while a 21-20 thriller saw Brian Saunders of Bathgate make a second round exit to Walter McDougall of Glenmavis. Messrs Fleming, Wardrop, and McDougall were joined in Sunday mornings quarterfinals line up by Kenny Black (East Calder), Brian Campbell (Ratho), Raymond Logan (Kirkliston), Tommy Johnston (Winchburgh) and Mark Graham of Queensferry. Fleming was in dire straits at 14-4 down to the aggressive play of Logan but battled back into to contention at 14-16 then hit 21 with a 2, 2, 1, 1, 1, finish while Wardrop was a good 21-12 winner over Campbell. McDougall dominated from 5-5 to beat Black 21-11 while Graham escaped from jail with a 3, 2 finish to edge a 21-20 humdinger against Johnston. The semi final action saw Fleming pick up from 7-10 to lead Graham 18-14 but come under sever pressure at 18-18 before tipping the scales with a 1, 2 finish while Wardrop was the stronger finisher from 9-10 to beat McDougall, 21-12.. The early ends of the final were cat and mouse with Wardrop gaining a 9-6 edge from his consistent drawing skills although Fleming was competing well and showing some decent conversion touches. Peels were called at 10-10 then a significant moment saw Wardrop hold a close clustered 4 at the next; but restricted to a single by s superb last bowl killer from his opponent. End 16 brought the first signs of a tidal change with Wardope badly short when the head screamed for him to ditch an inviting jack for 3 and the punishment was severe in the shape of Fleming carding a 3 to cross 13-11. Fleming then came into his own, carding a 2 to 15 with a neat trail then producing a neat punch out for a single to 16 followed by a brilliantly judged two-bowl split on the nose of the jack to card another single to 17. Wardrop was still playing well to the jack but his lack of aggression was costing him dear and Fleming piled on the pressure with an excellent head at the 20th end that yielded him a 2 to 19. Fleming selection and execution of ‘yard on’ stroke play had been an exciting feature of his play and yet another perfect example came at end 21 with a stronger runner that punched his own bowl onto the jack and through the head for a glorious double to 21. “The best man won and although I know I missed some opportunities due to short play I think the moment that changed things was when Stevie reduced my four to a single when standing peels at 10”, summed up Wardrop.( Stewart Meikle 14/9/9)
Tanfield is to repeat its Invitation Triples event sponsored by Grouse Whisky and have attracted international stars Alex Marshall MBE, Billy Mellors, and Paul Foster to defend the title they won last year. “We will have 24 triples on parade this Saturday and the competitive nature of the tournament is seen as the perfect warm up for those of us involved in the international trial that takes place at Broxburn the following day” states organiser Mal Higgenbotham. Top names like Colin Walker, Alister Kennedy, Grant Logan, and Derek Oliver will all bring along strongly formed triples while the Tanfield challenge includes national pairs finalists Alex Thompson and Graeme McIntosh joined by Graham Munro. Higgenbotham himself will skip Graham Swan and Stuart Campbell and intimates the bowling fraternity at large can expect a warm welcome from Tanfield if they come along to support the day long event.
Willie (crystal) Ball has been in touch with the News to say that the Water of Leith Seniors Top Ten final featuring Balerno and Gorgie Mills was rained off last Friday and will now take place this Friday (Sept 11) at Beechwood. The race for the League title promises to have an exciting climax with leaders Sighthill on 26 points being chased to the line by Carrick Knowe and Bainfield on 25 and Balerno on 24.5. There is just one fixture remaining and the top four are engaged against one of the bottom four so will it all go to form – or not.
The Scottish Bowling Association have changed their view of things regarding the international trial and have fast forwarded it from late May 2010 to this Sunday at Broxburn (1pm) when a 45 strong squad will parade their skills. Edinburgh and the Lothian’s contribute close to 50% of the squad with 21 named and the make up comprising 7 from West Lothian, 5 from East Lothain, 5 from Edinburgh & Leith, and 4 from Midlothian. The rink formations are,
Rink 1, Mark Kelsey (Rutherglen), Jim Gilruth (Lochgelly), Colin Walker (Pathhead), and Willie Wood MBE (West Barns) v Rink 2. Sandy Wotherspoon (Port Glasgow0, Mal Higgenbotham (Tanfield), Gary Smith (Linlithgow), and Darren Burnett (Lochlands). Rink 3. Ewan Shearer (Bo’ness), Stuart Cruickshank (Elgin), Alister Kennedy (West Barns), and Graeme Archer (Uphall Station) v Rink 4. Craig England (Northfield), Stuart Hogg (Denny), Derek Oliver (Port Seton), and Alex Marshall MBE (Gifford0. Rink 5. Colin Peacock (Marchmount), Craig Watson (Broad Street), Colin Mitchell (Carrick Knowe0, and David Peacock (Danderhall). V Rink 6. Wayne Hogg (Markinch), Colin Hutchison (Goldenacre), Billy Mellors (Goldenacre), and Robert Grant ( Overtown & Waterloo). Rink 7. Ian Humbl;e (Banchory), Martyn Rice (Dumfries), Iain McLean (Blackwood Vic), and Grant Logan (Kirkliston) v Rink 8. David Kiltie Jnr (Port William), Kevin Harper (Northern), Michael Stepney (St Aethans), and Ian Campbell (Houldsworth). Rink 9. Ronald Duncan (Bonnyrigg), Gary Mackie (Kircaldy W.E.), Graeme Campbell (Newton Park), and John Aitken (Kirkliston). V Rink 10. Jim Meikle (Lesmahagow0, Thomas Mann (Newbridge), Robert Marshall (Slateford) and Neil Speirs (Kirkliston). Reserves. Andrew Duncan (Kintore), Kevin Beaton (Aberchirder), Scott Briggs (Newbattle), Colin Smith (Tarbolton), and Struan Robertson (West Barns).( Stewart Meikle 11/9/9)
West Lothian stage their end of season showpiece at Blackburn over this weekend with the Matt Purdie & Sons sponsored Champion of Champions event being a victim of last weekend’s weather. Thomas Mann is an expected casualty of the reschedule however as the Newbridge champion is on international trial duty at Broxburn on Sunday so is likely to pull out of the C of C’s however none of the six other WL trialists are doubly engaged. Two former national champions are bidding to win their first Champion of Champions title in the shape of Frazer Muirhead of Uphall Station and Kirkliston’s Raymond Logan. Muirhead opens against C Sturrock of Polbeth on Saturday’s 2pm session while Logan lines up against Harthill veteran Bobby Gilmour at 12 noon. With 31 of the 35 club champions forward the full draw reads, 10am, Kenny Martin Jnr (Armadale)) v Walter McDougall (Glenmavis); Dan Miller (Springgrove) v Brian Saunders (Bathgate): Kenny Black (East Calder) v Roy West (Philpstoun); Ross Agnew (Letham) v John Gow (Mid Calder); Colin Fraser (Whitburn) v Thomas Mann )Newbridge). 12noon. Gary Linton (Bridgeness) v Alan Meikle (Bo’ness); G Sheridan (West Calder) v Dave McQueen (Bellsburn); Bobby Gilmour (Harthill) v Ray Logan (Kirkliston); Andrew Aitken (Deans) v Kenny Miller (Buchan Park); W McElhinney )Oakbank) v Steven Fleming (Linlithgow); W Smith (Harrysmuir) v P Boyle (Middleton Hall). 2pm. Alan Baird (Seafield ) v Tommy Johnston (Winchburgh); Frazer Muirhead (Uphall Sttaion) v C Sturrock (Polbeth); Bankton Mains v Mark Graham (Queensferry). Peter Harrison of Kinneil is through to the second round. The last session time on Saturday is 4pm while the Sunday schedule is 11am, 1-30pm, and 4pm.(Stewart Meikle 10/9/9)
Budding star Russell Wilson of Juniper Green has surely reached full bloom this summer with the 22-year old undergraduate celebrating a title four timer that includes a hat trick of individual crowns in Singles play on the capital-bowling scene. Having made his first attempt at launching a bowl in the general direction of a jack at the tender age of 7 and improving as the years passed it can’t be said that Wilson has exploded on the scene but 2009 is a major landmark in his career development. “My ambition is to play for Scotland and I am greatly encouraged in that by rubbing shoulders with some great Under 25 players who have already achieved it at junior level”, said Wilson speaking to the News this week. “I was a member of the Edinburgh & Leith team that captured the Scottish Under 25 League cup title and that line up included current junior caps Colin Hutchison, Jamie Gracie, John McDermott, Paul O’Donnell, and Andrew Caldwell”, he explained. “I was privileged to be part of that Cup success and in fact I played third to George Kirk who has just made history as a four times winner of the Edinburgh Bowling League Singles title”, he added. Kirk is also an Edinburgh & Leith Under 25 singles champion and Wilson has just followed suit as his individual hat trick of 2009 includes etching his name on the coveted James Fleming Trophy. Wilson can’t emulate that EBL and E&L double as his club compete in the rival Water of Leith League however he has become the WOL Under 25 champion for a second time, defeating John McDermott in the final. Champions need bottle as well as skill and Wilson’s resolve was tested in both the above finals having first saved game by burning the head at 20-20 then ditching the jack for the title-winning single on the replay against Kyle Newall in the Fleming. “John McDermott was bidding to complete a title treble in the WOL final and it was an epic battle between us but I managed to edge another 21-20 nail-biter”, described Wilson. Sports Science is Wilson’s subject at the Napier University and he doubles up as a working Lab Technician in the same department and in analysing his season the evidence is that his major triumph was the winning of the District 12 Under 25 title. “I beat John Wright of Whitehouse & Grange in the final and I was elated as the District is the pathway to the Nationals and it gave me the chance to compete at Ayr Northfield. I was emptied in the first round and that was a big disappointment for me but I value the experience and it fires up the desire to make a return to the big stage, hopefully sooner rather than later. John (McDermott) tells me that the District-Fleming- WOL- hat trick has never been achieved in the same season before so if he is right then it is a good record to make and I suppose I am chuffed at that”. Winning the District title earned Wilson an extra bonus in the shape of an invitation to the School of Excellence Scheme supported by the SBA and he reports that his attendance at Headwell on Sunday past was an uplifting and beneficial experience. The opening chapter of the Russell Wilson story is quite typical of the sport as he is the member of a bowling family having been introduced to Juniper Green as a young child by his father Stuart and following in the footsteps of his older brother Chris. “I won my first senior trophy at Juniper Green as a 17 year old playing lead to my dad in the club pairs- and we have won it again several times since. I love this sport win or lose”.( Stewart Meikle 9/9/9)
Legends bring extra colour to their sport and Blackhall can be proud that 25-year old George Kirk has entered the EBL Hall of Fame as a record four times winner of the Junior Singles title. Kirk - a pensions administrator with the City of Edinburgh Council- reigned supreme in 2005/6/7 and made it back to the winners enclosure at the expense of London Road Foundry challenger David Kyles. Kyles is a bright prospect, and a previous losing finalist to Kirk, but was given few opportunities to shine as the Blackhall ace dominated the heads with a brilliant display to triumph 21-4 in 14-ends.
The final of the Pairs produced maximum entertainment value in the shape of a roller –coaster drama that ended with Tanfield etching their name on the trophy at the expense of Dean. It was a 23-20 thriller with Peter Findlay and Marshall Shearer of Tanfield opening with a 3 but soon down 9-2 to John Underwood and Roddy Watson of Dean. “I thought our goose was going to be cooked then lo and behold we took off on a six end run and counts of 1, 1, 5, 2, 6, 1 thrust us into a 19-9 lead that made us feel our name was on the trophy”. said Shearer later. Just two ends later though Dean were holding the driving seat at 20-19 having pole axed their opponents with a spectacular 5, 6 reply. Watson was the hero figure with a trail for the 5 and a take out for the 6. “That shook us rigid but Tanfield had had enough sad endings in Pairs events this season (referring the national final) so we raised our game yet again and finished 1, 1, 2, to win”, added Shearer.
More drama was a welcome feature on a dry but cool and breezy day and the final of the Triples duly delivered in the shape of an extra end win for the Wardie trio of Gordon Waddell Brian Combe and Scott Walker against Niddrie. Wardie soon led John McCormack Gary Swain and Davy Scott 5-1 but Niddrie rallied well and crossed into an 11-9 lead before Walker fired up the temperature with an exciting trail that yielded 5 shots for a 14-11 advantage. “Niddrie came back at us with a 3 to set up an extra end decider then they held shot on top of the jack but I managed to disturb the head and was able to draw the winner out towards the string”, explained Walker.
Parkside dealt a further blow to Niddrie when their rink of Darren Grant Martin Burns Willie Watson and Brian Salvona scored a runaway 29-8 win over Benny Martin Jimmy Syme Derek Batchelor and Robert Bowie in the Fours. Burns and Watson replaced the unavailable Derek Smith and David Moran in a Parkside rink that carded four 4’s and a 6 against a luckless opposition.
Hillside carded a mighty 5 to lead 12-5 in the Seniors Fours and BJ Smith went on to skip Willie Cubitt John McManus and John Kennedy to an 18-6 win over Ronnie Fraser George Eddington Willie Fraser and Frank Hair of Civil Service. (Stewart Meikle 8/9/9)
Paul Jeromson has yet to etch his name on the championship board of his club, Summerside, but the 26-year old Standard Life administrator has found instant fame by capturing the Singles crown of the Edinburgh Bowling League, The finals of the EBL Knockout Championships sponsored by Ian McKay Contracts of Edinburgh survived the challenges of the weather at Corstorphine on Saturday and Jeromson topped the bill with his 21- 16 win over Alistair McKay of Leith.
The Singles final lasted 22-ends and was the main focus of the decent size crowd swelled by the fact that no less than 11 clubs of the EBL were represented over the six disciplines. The first nine ends of the Singles produced a 7-7 share of the score line but end 10 became significant with Jeromson opting to cast a short length jack and gaining maximum reward with a full house 4 to 11. “I grew in confidence from that moment and it was just as well because Alistair came back to test me at 11-9 then 13-13”, explained the Summerside challenger later. Jeromson answered the menace with a magic 3 to 16 but failed to shake off a determined McKay who kept himself in the picture with a hat trick of singles to stand peels after 20-ends. End 21 was played to McKay’s jack but Jeromson carded a double that allowed him to go short on the 22nd and his expertise on that length saw him produce a cluster of 3 shots that survived onto the card to trigger the title-winning salute. “I appreciate that it is a great honour and I am delighted to be champion and put Summerside on the EBL map”, said Jeromson. (Stewart Meikle 7/9/9)
Brian Holloran of Pumpherston confirmed himself a king pin of the 60 + bowling world in West Lothian having captured the Weslo Housing Management sponsored £200 Seniors Open crown for the second year running. The field was 141 strong for the £600 event and having battled his way back into the final Holloran completed a successful defence of the title at the 21-15 expense of Kinneil challenger Davy Clelland at the Glenmavis club in Bathgate. The final days play in the Weslo started with the semi finals and although played in damp miserable conditions Holloran continued his fine run of form to beat Alan Chester of Mid Calder, 21-11 in 22-ends, Last years champion made a confident start to lead 6-1 and offered few chances to Chester as he continued to dominate at 13-5 then 15-8. Chester rallied with three singles to 11 but Holloran came back on the scene with a 4 then added a double to 21. Meanwhile Clelland edged seven singles over the first nine ends to lead Ronnie Martin of Bellsburn 7-2 and continuing to handle the testing conditions better than his opponent set up leads of 12-4 and 15-7. Martin managed to card three more singles to 10 but Clelland was always the man in charge and triumphed 21-10 in 23-ends. Damp turned to very wet for the final but the worsening conditions didn’t seem to bother Holloran who was obviously fired up to retain the title and he stamped his authority on the first six ends to lead Clelland 10-0. Holloran had concentrated on short jacks so Clelland lengthened it at the few opportunities he had and the tactical change did help him to close to 14 –10 but the growing challenge was thwarted when Holloran trailed the jack for a 3 to 17 at the next. Clelland added a double to 12 and his battling efforts would gain further rewards to 15 but Holloran’s play had the mark of a champion in waiting and from 20-12 up he duly carded the winning single three ends later. “I set out to give the defence of the title my best shot but you don’t really expect to enjoy back to back success in a large competitive field so this has been a wonderful experience for me “, said Holloran later.
Corstorphine tomorrow (2pm) is the venue for the final of the Edinburgh Bowling League Knockout Championships sponsored by Ian McKay contracts of Edinburgh. The headline match is the Singles featuring Paul Jeromson of Summerside against Alistair McKay of Leith although the Junior Singles sees George Kirk of Blackhall on a title four-times when he lines up against David Kyle of London Road Foundry.
West Lothian BA stage their Matt Pudie & Sons sponsored Champion of Champions showpiece at Blackburn tomorrow and Sunday with 31 club champions of 2009 on parade.( Stewart Meikle 4/9/9)
Shona Johnstone has made 2009 an extra special memorable one by etching her name on the coveted Steel Trophy for a record making fourth time capturing the ‘champion of champions’ title of the Edinburgh Women’s Bowling Association in the finals played at Corstorphine. Johnstone was the headline maker of the climax to the championships but was hard pressed by her opponent Margaret Baird of Currie who forced the best out of the defending champion in a 21-17 thriller that lasted 24-ends. The 54-year old Tipperlinn star made her international debut for Scotland earlier in the season, having built up an impressive CV that included the East of Scotland Singles and City of Edinburgh Open at Balgreen , and this latest title success has iced her cake. The EWBA is a 42 club community and Johnstone had battled her way through to the final of the Singles for an impressive third time in a row having lost out in 2007 but winning in 2008 to equal the record three wins of Queensberry legend Eva Drummond. Johnstone is noted for her depth of focus and strongly competitive nature and both were immediately evident as she hit the ground running to race into an 11-0 lead after five ends of a final being played in dry but breezy conditions in front of a good crowd, It was beginning to look like a one-horse-race when Johnstone maintained her advantage at 14-3 but Baird courageously got to grips with the situation and won the admiration of the banking with a spectacular nine end run of 2, 1, 1, 1, 2, 1, 2, 2, 1 that crossed her into a 16-14 lead, Johnstone was shaken, but also stirred and that activated the super-trooper into arresting her alarming slide with a single to 15 then a magic 3 to regain the initiative at 18-16. Baird replied with a single to 17 so it was still very much game on- and the crowd was loving the spectacle of it. Johnstone upped the pressure with a 2 to 20. Baird nosed the jack at the next so the final looked good for at least one other end but Johnstone was now fired up and attracted thunderous applause of appreciation as she toppled the noser to claim the title winning shot in magnificent fashion. “Gosh that game took some winning as Margaret tested my resolve to the limit and I feel good that I rose to the challenge and have created a record for the Steel Trophy”, said an elated Johnstone later.
Hillside won the Paits title with Jean Clements and Cathy Ward creating a stir with a full house count of 8 at 10-9 up then going on to triumph 20-11 over Izzy Dixon and May Smith of Postal.
Maitland etched their name on the Triples Trophy with Ann Paton skipping Greta Ross and Barbara Winwick to a 15-10 success over Fran Kellie Maureen Reid and Ann Pincott of Gilmerton MW. The moments that mattered came when Maitland stretched from 9-7 to 13-7 with a run of 2, 1, 1 as that proved a useful cushion when Gilmerton closed to 10 with a menacing 1, 2 reply.
Colinton turned the final of the Fours into an anti- climax with stalwart figure Nan Tennant skipping Marion Murray Margaret Smith and Sandra Miller to a runaway 23-3 win over the luckless Anne Firth Anne Strachan Rena McCathie and Norma Ross of Juniper Green.
The semi final action of the WLBA Seniors Top Ten played yesterday saw Armadale beat Kinneil 6-2 on points at Bankton Mains, and Whitburn edge a shot margin win over Bankton Mains at Kirkliston. The final takes place at Broxburn tomorrow with an 11am start.( Stewart Meikle 3/9/9)
Broxburn yesterday, staged the quarterfinals action of the £600 WLBA Seniors Open sponsored by Weslo Housing Management and the £200 title remains in the focus of defending champion Brian Holloran of Pumpherston. Holloran now moves forward to the final days play at Glenmavis (Bathgate) on Thursday and is joined in the last four line up by Alan Chester of Mid Calder, Davy Clelland of Kinneil, and Ronnie Martin of Bellsburn. The timings are 11-30am for the semi finals and 2pm for the final. Holloran opened his match with a 3 but then went 4-3 down as Gray seemed to settle in with a run of four singles however it was the 2008 champion that was going to be in tip form for the next 10 ends and he stormed to a 21-6 victory. “Consistency was the key to Brian’s winning performance and he never gave Sam a look in”, was the observation of joint Weslo organiser Bob Cuthill. Dark Horse challenger Alan Chester continued to enhance his growing profile with another fine performance that was highlighted by a blitz finish and the 21-14 exit of Harthill challenger Jack Ramsay. Chester set the early pace to lead 7-2 then 11-5 but came under loads of pressure as Ramsay burst on the scene with a purple patch spell of 1, 4, (1), 1, 3 to cross 14-12. Chester came again though and hit 21 with a powerful 3, 1, 4, 1 finish. Clelland picked up from 4-4 to gain an 11-6 command over Jimmy Davidson of Kirkliston then swapped a double to 13-8 and answered the loss of a single with a 3, 1 reply to stand in sight of victory at 17-9. Davidson was holding on grimly but the best he could manager was three intermittent singles and he crashed to a 21-12 defeat in 23-ends to the challenger from Kinneil. Martin added a run of 2, 1, 1, 2 to stretch into an early 9-3 lead over Davy Gracie of Whitburn and remained on top to look good for a comfortable victory at 16-8 however he had sweat on the brow at 18-17 before reaching 21 with a hat trick of singles.
The final of the WLBA Seniors Dickson Trophy played at Bathgate High on Monday brought title celebrations to Kirkliston but utter dejection to Buchan Park who were piped at the post in a dramatic climax. Gordon Kain skipped his BP (Broxburn) rink of Jim Gullane Jim Little and Alex Audsley into a what looked like a winning lead at 13-6 up. However the Kirkliston opposition of Charlie Kellet Jimmy Allison Charlie Houston and Jimmy Davidson whipped up a whirlwind finish of 1, 1, 3, 1, 2 to win a 14-13 thriller. The morning semi finals saw Kirkliston beat Armadale, 15-9, and Buchan Park edge Kinneil, 12-10.
Brian Saunders has won the championship title at Bathgate High and will take his place in the Matt Purdie & Sons sponsored WLBA Champion of Champions being played at Blackburn this weekend.( Stewart Meikle 2/9/9)
Dick Saunders of Bathgate is the 2009 Seniors Champion of Champion of West Lothian having etched his name on the coveted trophy with a nail biting 21-20 win over Mike Ford of Kinneil in the final at Winchburgh. The Seniors version of the C of C’s is run by Winchburgh BC and sponsored by local businesses so the organisers were delighted to attract an entry of 29 from the 35 member clubs of the WLBA. The final was an epic 26-end affair that lasted a stamina testing 2 hours 20 minutes and was full of incident, drama, and suspense with several twists and turns keeping the watching banking on tenterhooks as to the outcome. Ford was the first to show with last season’s runner-up in the Weslo Seniors Open in good form to lead 7-0 after four ends and although Saunders eventually made an impression to close to 8-5 his rival answered with a 3 to 11. Saunders still competes successfully in a wider circle of West Lothian bowls and showed typical bite with a six end fight back that yielded counts of 3, 1, 3, 1, 1, 1 that thrust him into a 15-11 lead. But Ford’s spirit was far from broken and the Kinneil challenger produced a purple patch spell of 2, 3, (1), 1, 1 to cross 18-16 then he battled on to stand on the brink of victory at 20-18. Saunders new he now had no margin of error and the two times Open champion produced a grandstand finish by conjuring up a magic 3 to pull a 21-20 victory out of the hat. “I lost the 2007 final in a close finish so am delighted to be a winner on this occasion but it was a real yo yo of a game and it could have gone either way”, summed up the newly crowned champion. The quarterfinals saw Saunders make space from 7-6 to 13-6 then go on to beat Charlie Scott of Ratho, 21-10 while Ford had gained the 18-11 measure of Jim Gullane of Buchan Park before hitting 21 with a 3. Frank Barker of Oakbank – a winner of the WLBA Champion of Champion’s in his time- was in search of a unique double and kept his hopes alive with a 21-12 win over Dan Miller of Springgrove. Drew Reid was the hope of the host club and he picked up from 7-7 to have the Winchburgh support cheering a 21-13 win over Robert McIvor of Glenmavis. The semi final action saw Saunders still being hard held at 10-8 up on Barker but made the break with a couple of 3’s to 16 and he went on clinch a 21-10 victory. While Ford had his hands full against Reid and trailed him 7-2 before a six end run crossed him to 10 then peels were called at 10 and 15 as the battle for a place in the final hotted up. Ford broke the deadlock with a full house 4 to 19 and having gained the edge he went to win 21-17.
Angie Uttley completed a successful defence of the West Lothian Ladies Classic Singles title when she made home green knowledge count at the expense of former champion Margaret Kain of Buchan Park in the final at Blackburn.( Stewart Meikle 1/9/9)
Edinburgh & Leith franked their national title winning form by making a successful defence of the Roofline Scotland Trophy in yesterday’s £1000 Under 25 Inter County League Cup involving opposition from West Lothian, Mid Lothian, and Border at Sighthill. Sighthill was a busy venue with some 100 of the top Lothian & Border young bowlers parading their skills between 10-30am and 6pm and the end result saw E&L sharing top spot on points with West Lothian but triumph with a plus of 59 shots to the 7 of their rivals. “It was a great day and a great result but hard earned”, was the comment of E&L Under 25 convener Bernie Callaghan and echoed by team captain Colin Hutchison. E&L stuck with the same six skips for each of the three sessions and they were Colin Hutchison, Chris Southwell, Russell Wilson. Paul O’Donnell, George Kirk, and John McDermott. The popular round robin tournament started life back in the mists of time as The Calder Cup but it is now an event with a difference as the innovations introduced to attract Roofline Scotland as its sponsor back in 2004 include, Top Rink and Top Player awards for each team plus a Penalty Kick feature. E&L’s ‘player of the day’ was Mark Hogg of Goldenacre while their ‘rink of the day’ comprised Jamie McIntosh (Tanfield), Ross Noble (Sighthill), Robert Mitchell (Carrick Knowe) and Russell Wilson of Juniper Green. The Wilson Four won all three of their games but also enjoyed an additional bonus as the all over winners of the highest score at the nominated end on the third session. E&L looked like they were going to win the five man Penalty Kick feature having beat West Lothian 3-1 then leading Midlothian 2-0 in the final; but the opposition won the next three. E&L’s day started on a disappointing note as they suffered an 87-80 defeat from West Lothian despite wins on four rinks, skipped by Wilson (17-13), O’Donnell (13-1), Kirk (1`7-13), and McDermott (16-11). But West Lothian punished them on the other two with Andrew Semple crushing Southwell, 23-6, and Ewan Wilson beating Hutchison, 16-11. However second session wins for Hutchison (20-6), Wilson (13-12), and McDermott (14-8) helped secure an 85-74 win over Midlothian as they more than covered the losses sustained by Southwell (10-14), O’Donnell (12-15), and Kirk (16-19). Meanwhile Midlothian had defeated Border 96-84 on the first session but Border surprised West Lothian 80-74 on the second so all four teams entered the final session with 2 points each. West Lothian proceeded to beat Midlothian 84-77 but their shot margin bank was meagre and therefore vulnerable to strong finish from E&L against Border. O’Donnell set the scene for E&L with the new junior cap blazing a spectacular 20-0 trail then producing a sizzling 6, 3, 5 finish to skip Jamie Reid, Craig Ramsay and Stuart Jenkins to a 34-8 win over David Kerr. Wilson was also on fire and restricted his opposite number Chris Young to counts at three ends only as he skipped McIntosh, Noble, and Mitchell to an inspired 29-6 victory. Hutchison came under pressure at 12-10 down to Robert Munro but a swashbuckling 5, 1, 2 fight back from the captain saw him skip Neil Watson, Martyn Dickson, and Mark Hogg to a 15-10 success. McDermott did his best work early doors to skip Kerr McKail, Colin Tough, and Craig Aitken into a 13-4 lead then they held on to contribute a 13-11 win over Greg Nagle. Kirk salvaged a 14-14 peel against Andrew Hancock as he skipped Craig McArthur, Daniel Gormlay, and Kyle Newall to a 3, 1, finish while Dean Thomson, Neal Rooney, Jamie Gracie and Southwell blew a 10-5 lead to lose 15-13 to Kevin Donaldson.(Stewart Meikle 31/8/9)
A sizzling climax to the BARBQ sponsored WLBA Top Five Singles final at a rain swept Bankton Mains on Thursday night saw defending champions Kirkliston celebrate title victory, at the expense of Newbridge, for a record extending 10th time. With two games finished and the match score standing 1-1 the destination of the title was in a melting pot situation that was about to boil over as the remaining three games ended in an amazing blanket finish. “One second we were set to celebrate then in a flash it was all over and trying to come to terms with a 3-2 defeat”, summed up a spokesman for Newbridge. Grant Logan, Steven Forrest, and Raymond Logan carried the KBC banner to glory while Thomas Mann and Alec Allan kept Newbridge bang in contention for would have been a fifth title win. Kirkliston drew first blood, and in spectacular fashion, with full cap Grant Logan showing new junior cap Blair Mackie no mercy as he blitzed his young opponent, 21-2 in an explosive 14-ends. Newbridge looked set to suffer a second quick blow with Thomas Mann trailing fellow full cap John Aitken, 10-2 but a phenomenal transformation saw Mann find top gear and accelerate to a 21-10 win in 16-ends. Ian Robertson had chances to put Newbridge 2-1 up but it was Kirkliston who achieved that advantage through Steven Forrest after a real ding-dong battle that lasted 23-ends. Forrest led 20-19 but he left himself vulnerable at the next end so was hugely relieved to win 21-19 on an umpire’s measure. Almost simultaneously Alec Allan was achieving a great result for Newbridge as he finally converted a 17-9 advantage into a 21-17 win over internationalist Neil Speirs. And again almost simultaneously Raymond Logan clinched the title for Kirkliston as he conjured up a magic 3 on his 23rd end to pip Paul Sweeney, 21-19. Sweeney had raised Newbridge hopes with a strong rally from 16-11 down to cross 19-18 having included a bone shaking (to Kirkliston) 4 in his fight back.
The Roofline Scotland sponsored £1000 Inter County Under 25 Round Robin challenge for the Calder Cup takes place at Sighthill tomorrow with Midlothian, Border, West Lothian, and Edinburgh & Leith the competing teams. E&L are the national champions and their exceptionally strong squad of 28 for The Roofline includes Under 25 caps Colin Hutchison, John McDermott, Jamie Gracie, and Paul O’Donnell. Andrew Caldwell though is an absentee.( Stewart Meikle 29/8/9)
Brian Holloran of Pumpherston lived dangerously in yesterday’s last 16 action of the WLBA Seniors Open sponsored by Weslo Housing Management but the defending champion edged a 2120 thriller to keep the £200 title in his sights. Holloran made a great start to lead 9-3 against Bill Pollock of Kirkliston at Kirkliston but the home man then enjoyed a purple patch spell that thrust him into what looked a commanding 17-11 lead. The holder got to grips with a couple of magic 3’s to peels; but was back in big trouble at 20-18 down before escaping from jail with a 2, 1 finish to triumph in 25-ends. Holloran’s opposition in Tuesday coming’s quarterfinals at Broxburn comes from Sam Gray of Bellsburn who blitzed his way into a 15-4 lead over Joe Devin of Bo’ness but had sweat on his brow at 18-17 before hitting 21 with a 1, 2 finish. Alan Chester of Mid Calder is a dark-horse making good progress and he continued his winning run with a 21-11 win over Willie Black of Springgrove in 21-ends having made telling space from 9-9 to 17-9 with a run of 2, 2, 1, 3. Chester’s next opponent is Jack Ramsay of Harthill who was looking for a miracle at 14-7 then 18-13 down and produced one in the shape of a 1, 2, 2, recovery to peels at 18 then he answered the loss of two singles with a 2, 1 reply to pip Walter Bruce of Linlithgow in a 21-20 nail-biter. Play at Mid Calder saw Ronnie Martin of Bellsburn make good headway to lead Alec Wark of Armadale, 13-7 then answer a challenge at 13-11 with a 1, 4 replay and stronger finish to clinch a 21-14 win in 19-ends. Davy Gracie of Whitburn led Alan Maxwell of Armadale, 14-7 but couldn’t shake his opponent off and peels was called at 17 before he conjured up a magic 1, 3 finish to win in 22-ends. Jim Davidson of Kirkliston found himself engaged in a ding dong battle with John Collins of Middleton Hall and the melting pot sizzled at 16-15 before he reached the last 8 with a big 2, 3 finish to 21 in 24-ends. Yet another 21-20 epic saw Davy Clelland of Kinneil surrender a 16-8 lead to be crossed 18-17 then at 20-19 he tipped the scales with a winning double against Denis Cavanagh of Uphall Station.
Thomas Mann of Newbridge has won his club championship for a sixth time with the 28-year old internationalist defeating 35-year old twice champion Paul Sweeney, 21-11 in the final.
Raymond Logan is now a six times champion of Kirkliston with the 1998 national champion defeating holder Alan (Val) Jenkins, 21-11 in the final.
Ratho have crowned a first time champion in the shape of Brian Campbell who was crossed 17-16 by four times champion Guy Palmer before hitting 21 with a run of five singles.
Port Seton have captured the Division 1 title of the Credit Issues Scotland sponsored East Lothian Leagues for a sixth time having snatched it on the post from long time leaders Castlepark. Dunbar are the Division 2 champions.( Stewart Meikle 28/8/9)
Kirkliston are record nine times winners of the BARBQ sponsored WLBA Top Five Singles Championship and the defending champions have the extra incentive of reaching double figures when they line up in tonight’s final (6pm) against Newbridge at the Bankton Mains club in Livingston. Newbridge are no slouches at the format however having captured the coveted crown on four occasions and tonight’s challenge is spearheaded by internationalist Thomas Mann while former Scottish and British Isles Pairs champions Alec Allan and Ian Robertson are two of his henchmen. Their five man line up is completed by Blair Mackie , who has just been announced as a new junior cap, and Paul Sweeney so the challenge to Kirkliston is a formidable one. Kirkliston field a star studded five with current caps Grant Logan, Neil, Speirs, and John Aitken on parade and they are joined by former national champion Raymond Logan and current WLBA Junior Open champion Steven Forrest. The draw for the final has been made and it reads, Raymond Logan v Paul Sweeney; Steven Forrest v Ian Robertson; John Aitken v Thomas Mann; Neil Speirs v Alec Allan; and Grant Logan v Blair Mackie. The five sponsoring BARBQ clubs are, Broxburn-Armadale- Ratho- Bankton Mains- Queensferry.
The final of the West Lothian Ladies Classic Singles is also down for decision to night at Blackburn (6pm) with host club star Angie Uttley defending the title against 2002 champion Margaret Kain of Buchan Park. Uttley- a four times winner of the Edinburgh Open title at Balgreen- beat Clare Watson of Broxburn in yesterday’s rescheduled semi final while Kain beat Sadie McKenzie of Bankton Mains on Tuesday.
The West Lothian Seniors Open sponsored by Weslo Housing Management is down to the last 16 stage and defending champion Brian Holloran of Pumpherston stepped up his bid to retain the £200 title with a 21-14 success over Jim Little of Buchan Park in yesterday’s third round. A 21-20 thriller saw Sam Gray of Bellsburn pip Andy Polland of Whitburn and his clubmate Ronnie Martin cleared a stiff hurdle with his 21-15 win over Alex Murray of Seafield. An all Kirkliston clash saw Jimmy Davidson deal a 21-16 exit to Charlie Houston and their clubmate Bill Pollock was a good 21-16 winner over Raymond McMahon of Queensferry.
Denis Kenny’s first championship success at Ardmillan is extra special as it came in the club’s 125th Anniversary year. His 21-18 success in the final denied Ian Neill a fifth title celebration.
Currie are the 2nd Sixteen champions of the West Edinburgh League finishing 12 points ahead of Stenhouse. Both clubs win promotion while, as put nicely by WEBA secretary Eddie Herbert “Slateford and Carrick Knowe will face a new challenge in the 2nd Sixteens”.( Stewart Meikle 27/8/9)
Two champions bit the dust but yesterday’s second round action of the WLBA Seniors Open sponsored by Weslo Housing Management saw holder Brian Holloran of Pumpherston step up his bid to retain the £200 title. Holloran was in action at Blackburn against John Smith of Armadale and found himself against the collar at 9-7 down however he embarked on a purple patch spell that thrust him in a 19-10 lead and he went on to clinch a 21-18 win in 26-ends. Dick Saunders campaign to capture the title for a third time came to an abrupt halt with the Bathgate star failing to sparkle at Harrysmuir and making a 21-7 exit to Jim Fordyce of Whitburn in 19-ends. Dave Moug won the title when a member of the Deans a few years back but the former butler to the Duchess of Argyll now plays out of Polbeth and failed to carry the banner forward after a hard tussle against Alex Murray of Seafield. Murray – a former butcher in Colinton – is a leading contender for the title and a 23-end battle at Bathgate saw him chop Moug 21-15 after carving out leads of 10-4, and 18-9. A 21-20 thriller at Newbridge saw A Maxwell of Armadale trail Ian Combe of Pumpherston 15-7 and 20-17 but come good with a 2, 2 finish to 21 while R Grant of Whitburn added 3, 1 to clinch a 21-16 win over Jim Gray of Armadale. Jim Boyle of Whitburn is the most distinguished bowler in the 141 strong field and the former multi capped internationalist travelled down to Bo’ness where he converted a 14-9 lead into a 21-16 win over Jim Wishart of Broxburn. Queensferry’s Raymond McMahon broke best from 9-9 to beat Robert McIvor of Glenmavis, 21-11 at Blackburn where the heavy going took its toll on 934-year old Angus McKenzie of Bo’ness in the shape of a 21-8 defeat from Bill Pollock of Kirkliston. Kenny Ferguson of Armadale carded a 4 at 16-15 down and went on to win 21-18 against Lennie Dowling of Ratho while Alan Chester of Mid Calder dealt a 21-15 exit to former WLBA ‘champion of champions’ Frank Barker of Oakbank.
Kirkliston met Bridgeness in their rescheduled semi final of the BARBQ Top Five Singles Championship of the WLBA and the record nine times champions stormed to 5-0 victory at Armadale on Monday Night. Neil Speirs led the charge with a runaway win over the luckless George Inglis in 11-ends then Steven Forrest dealt a similar defeat to A McKee in 12-ends followed by a 21-12 win for Grant Logan over John Meikle in 18-ends. Raymond Logan made it 4-0 at the 21-8 expesne of George Linton in 20-ends while John Aitken beat Dave Frew 21-18 in 26-ends to complete the rout.
Ardmillan have iced the cake of the clubs 125 Anniversary celebrations by capturing the 1st Sixteens League Title of the West Edinburgh B. A. “Our A team clinched the title with a 7-2 win over Slateford in our final fixture as that gave us 93 points to the 86 of second placed Sighthill B”, explained spokesman Ian Neill. The most regular campaign skips were, John Urquhart, Mike Nolan, Tam Carling, and Neill while Steven Bee was an able deputy. Neill is a 4 times champion of the club and hoped to make it 5 in the 125 but lost 21-18 in the final to first timer Denis Kenny.( Stewart Meikle 26/8/9)
Ormiston Bowling Club sad to see what is happening there I personally have very happy memories of the club when Trevor and Anne were running the bar and in the back lounge the "White Heather " Whisky was going down well when I used to go there every Sunday night to meet up with the friends had met through bowling the days when if you were not there for 6-30 pm you could not get a seat the bowling green was a great surface and Im sure that i speak for all that I hope that the legal rangle gets sorted out soon and a happy ending is the out come .( Willie Robb)
Pilrig have etched their name on the Ian McFarlane Trophy for a second time having emulated their 2006 success in the Edinburgh & Leith Top Five Singles Championship with a commanding win over Bainfield in Sunday’s final at Gorgie Mills. The Pilrig Five crossed the ‘Edinburgh Divide’ to tackle Bainfield on Water of Leith territory but in wet and windy conditions they rose to the challenge to score an easier than expected 3-1 victory, having recovered from 1-0 down. The ‘famous five of 2009’ to have entered the record book comprises David Poole, Chris Steven, Darren McKenny, Scott Rogers, and Euan Craig “We were disappointed as a club at surrendering our hold on the Division1 title of the Edinburgh Bowling League but the Top Five is an E&L major so this triumph is an end of season high for us to celebrate”, said Poole Poole, an icon figure at Pilrig, was guesting for Goldenacre in 2006 while Craig was a 17-year old still to break through however Steven, McKenny, and Rogers are survivors from that winning line up. Bainfield were seeking their first title success in an event introduced to the E&L calendar in 2000 and with the final taking place in their own backyard the signs of success were encouraging when Paul O’Donnell put them 1 nil up. O’Donnell faced Chris Steven in what should have been an Under 25 cracker but the end product was a damp squib as a spectacle despite Steven making a 2, 1, 3 start to lead 6-0. “I’ve got this daft notion in my head that I am just a fair weather player so at 13-10 down in the rain I was doing ok and in with a chance but Paul carded a jack smothering 4 at the next and finished a worthy 21-11 winner”, explained Steven. Pilrig were soon back on level terms thanks to 31-year old McKenny who could do no wrong as he blazed a 16-2 trail over Paul Millar although it was eight ends later before he finally clinched a 21-9 victory. Scott Rogers then put Pilrig 2-1 up with the 21-8 scalp of Brian Stoddart in 18-ends having been kept under pressure at 7-6 and 10-7 before breaking to 17 with a run of 1, 4, 2. “My secret was to hold onto the jack and keep it long”, said the 44 year old later. The tensions of a major final may have challenged Euan Craig in the early stages but the 20-year old quickly settled and wiped out a 10-4 deficit with a morale boosting run of 2, 2, 1, 2, 1, 1 to 13 against Adam Brock. Brock threatened to keep Bainfield hopes alive with a 3, 1, 1 fight back to cross 15-13 but it was Craig that emerged the hero figure with a long run of 1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 1, 1 to 21. “I was leading 17-15 but faced two against before driving them out for a two shot conversion to 19 and that was the defining moment for me”, said Craig later and he added “My lead bowl had been poor so I gave the jack away in the later stages”. Had Craig lost and the match score gone to 2-2 then David Poole was waiting in the wings and holding a hard earned 18-15 lead over Gary Purdie when they called it quits. (Stewart Meikle 25/8/9)
Slateford is back in the bowling headlines as champions of the Edinburgh Top Ten following a 6-2 points victory over Northern in Saturday’s climax to an event that earns the winners a passport into next year’s national tournament. Wins in the Singles, Pairs, and Triples clinched the title for the pre-match favourites and it’s the third time Slateford have captured the prestigious crown having previously reigned supreme in seasons 1995 and 1996. “We went on to win the national title on these two occasions so the challenge ahead is for us to go on and become the first club to achieve a treble”, said spokesman Gordon Ramsay. Northern had a big gulf in League status to overcome but came into the final full of determination and the underdogs put up a bold show with a win the Fours and narrow defeats in the Pairs and Triples to show for it. “Defeat in cup finals are hard to stomach but we competed well in the Edinburgh Cup and now the Top Ten and to have reached the showcase stage of two major events has put The Northern back on the city bowling map”, summed up president Gary Harrison. Slateford have great faith in their 16 times club champion Robert Marshall as the spearhead figure in the Singles and the 45-year old internationalist delivered the goods in tremendous fashion with a near runaway win over Graham Prentice. Marshall showed he was in the mood with a sizzling start to lead 10-1 and with Prentice just showing spasmodic flashes of his true form the Northern spearhead was restricted to six shots as the Slateford ace reached the magic 21 in 17-ends. Winning the singles brings with it an extra bonus and morale boost as the result acts as a tiebreak in the event of the match finishing all square on points and shots. Northern kept the final competitive with a strong performance in the Fours although Hugh Hilson was 10-4 down before producing a purple patch spell of 4, 2, 1, 1, 1, 2 to skip Jim McKenna Alan Mitchell and Ian Miller into a 15-10 lead. The Slateford rink of Michael Fraser Louis Beaton Brian McCann and Scott Brunton did rally to 14 but a mighty 5 to 20 helped Northern keep the opposition at bay to win 20-19. Slateford were going great guns in the Triples however with Ronnie Ramsay Rab Stewart and John Ramsay adding a super 6 at the eighth end to lead 15-5 and although pressured at 12 they went on to beat Jim Henderson Roy Campbell and Mike Burns, 19-13. Slateford also made a dream start to the Pairs with Dougie Martin and Gordon Ramsay racing into a 9-0 lead but they were dramatically crossed 13-12 before coming again to edge a 16-14 win over Stan Christie and Gordon Wilson. (Stewart Meikle 24/8/9)
EDINBURGH TOP TEN BOWLING TOURNAMENT, 2009.
FINAL, SATURDAY 22nd AUGUST AT PARKSIDE BOWLING CLUB.
SLATEFORD 6 (75 shots) NORTHERN 2 (53 shots).
SINGLES: Slateford (Robert Marshall) 12 Northern (Graham
Prentice) 6
PAIRS: Slateford 16 Northern 14
TRIPLES: Slateford 19 Northern 13
FOURS: Slateford 19 Northern 20(23/8/9)
The top bowling show in town today is the final of the Edinburgh Top Ten Championship with Slateford and Northern going head to head for the title at Parkside this afternoon. Slateford will line up the hottest of favourites as their spearhead figure in the Singles is sixteen times club champion Robert Marshall whose crowded CV includes three Tait Trophy titles and the 45-year old will be viewed as a banker. The coveted Top Ten Trophy has come to Slateford twice down the years, 1995 and 1996, and on both occasions the Edinburgh champions went on to capture the national crown. Whilst Slateford are considered giants of the Water of Leith 1st Sixteens League their rivals operate in Division 3 of the Edinburgh Bowling League which suggest a big gulf in class But Northern have shown great competitive bite this season with a prominent challenge in their league to finish second but topped by a terrific near miss in last weekends final of the Edinburgh Cup against holders Tanfield. “Cup finals can be unpredictable and although we respect Slateford we do not fear them and with the club absolutely buzzing at the moment it would be great if we could end the season on a really high note”, said a spokesman for Northern.
The weather played havoc with the first round proper of the £500 Weslo Housing Management sponsored WLBA Seniors Open on Thursday but holder Brian Holloran and past champions Dick Saunders and Dave Moug survived the elements. Holloran faced Mike Forde of Kinneil in a rerun of last years final and the Pumpherston challenger confirmed his superiority with a 21-8 victory . Saunders (Bathgate), bidding for a title treble, restricted Bob Moss of Kirkliston to single figures while Moug of Polbeth dealt a 21-12 exit to A Morton of Springgrove. Alfie McVey of Philpstoun edged a 21-20 thriller over Ronnie Mitchell of Winchburgh while former Grade 1 football referee Bob Cuthill of Kirkliston closed from 19-6 to 19-19 before making a 21-19 ext to Jim Wishart of Broxburn. Newbridge have made it through to the final of the BARBQ sponsored WLBA Top Five Singles having dealt a 3-2 blow to Queensferry in their semi final action at Broxburn. Blair Mackie beat Andrew Dunnett, 21-6, Thomas Mann beat Neil McLean, 21-6, and Alec Allan beat Ally Harper, 21-9. The Kirkliston v Bridgeness semi final was postponed until Monday night at Armadale ( Stewart Meikle 22/8/9)
Alistair McKay of Leith BC will represent the proud 152-year-old banner in the finals of the Edinburgh Bowling League Knockout Championships to be staged at Corstorphine on Saturday September 5. Last nights semi final action of the championships sponsored by Ian Mackay Contracts of Edinburgh saw McKay play superbly well in the Singles at Mayfield to edge a 21-19 thriller in 23-ends over title favourite Paul Veitch of Parkside. McKay made the first significant break with counts of 2, 3 to lead 17-11 but in a real treat to the spectators Veitch stormed back to cross 19-18 before being knocked out by a 1, 2 counter-punch from the underdog. Meanwhile the other semi final being played at the Dean produced its own dramatic climax with Paul Jeromson of Summerside seemingly toiling at 14-9 down but turning the tables to have Peter Grantham of Niddrie at his 20-17 mercy. Grantham then thrilled the watching banking with a marvellous ‘turn out’ that yielded him 3 to 20, and almost a match-winning fourth, however a do or die 21st end saw Jeromson nose the jack with his first delivery and although later dislodged it had set the scene for his winning single.
Junior Singles legend George Kirk of Blackhall will bid for a record extending fourth title success and his challenge will come from one of his former victims in the shape of London Road Foundry star George Kyle. Kirk quickly blazed a 12-2 trail against Neil Watson of Parkside at Mayfield and when challenged at 14-10 responded strongly to go on and win 21-11 while the previous night Kyle had battled to a 21-15 success over Gavin Rogers of Pilrig.
The Pairs action at Mayfield brought joy to the Dean leith Roddy Watson skipping John Underwood to a 15-11 success over John Newall and Colin Bell of Hillside having turned up the heat from 10-9 with a run of 2, 2, 1. The outcome at the Dean was a runaway success for Tanfield with Peter Findlay and Marshall Shearer exploding from 4-5 to 16-5 to derail Neil Hunter and Ian Duffus of Tramways.
Wardie trio Gordon Waddell Brian Combe and Scott Walker added two singles to clinch a 12-8 win over Jimmy Headspeath Kevin Moncur and Keith Gallacher of Hillside at Mayfield. While Niddrie were untroubled at Dean with Davy Scott skipping John McCormack and Gary Swain to a 15-7 win over Jim Duncan Peter Morris and Alan Flockhart of Maitland.
The results in the Fours saw Parkside beat Liberton 15-9 and Niddrie beat Pilrig 13-9 while Hillside and Civil Service progressed in the Seniors Fours. (Stewart Meikle 21/8/9)
Tanfield’s season of mostly heartbreak finished on a fantastic high as the club made a successful defence of the Specsavers Opticians sponsored Edinburgh Cup defeating Northern on shot margin (+21) in the final at Corstorphine. The bare facts hiding though the fact that it was a sensational last bowl triumph that tipped the scales for a triumph that denied Northern the 8-4 glory in what will go down in the records as the most memorable climax in the 12 season history of the Cup. “We had both hands on the trophy and the victory salute poised on a hair trigger so our 24 strong team and support were totally gutted when Tanfield spirited it away with what was a truly fantastic delivery”, summed up Northern president Gary Harrison. The hero figure for Tanfield being Stuart Campbell who entered the last end of the final standing all square with fellow clansman Roy Campbell, and faced with immense pressure conjured up a magic take out conversion to win 17-15. “Tanfield know the agony caused by a phenomenal last bowl killer so can sympathise with the Northern however in terms of dulling the personal pain of Alec Thompson and myself it is great consolation to get our hands on a piece of silverware like the Edinburgh Cup as it is a happy team sharing experience” said recent national pairs finalist Graeme McIntosh. Tanfield drew first blood with Bill McLachlan making a lively start to lead 13-4 then skipping George Tuff Stephen Derrigetty and Kenny Lackie to a sizeable 29-11 win over Steve Nicol Alex Young Ian MacDonald and Stan Christie The Cup favourites then went 4 points to nil up with Mal Higgenbotham benefiting from a late run of 4, 2, 1, 3 to skip Alan Ross Peter Findlay and Derek McLean to a 30-13 win over Andy Irving Darren Prentice Jim Bathgate and Gordon Wilson. Northern were not overawed however and Hugh Hilson got them off the mark by skipping Gary Largue Willie Robb and Ian Millar from 6-7 to 13 –7 and on to a 19-11 success over Alex Caldwell George McEwan Graeme Quinney and Charlie McLaren. Then Allan Mitchell made it 4-4 when in a nail-biting climax he skipped Grant Young Ronnie Scott and Graeme Prentice to a 12-11 win over Jamie McIntosh Stuart Thompson Willie Paul and Graeme McIntosh. Mike Burns sent the Northern pulse rates racing as he added 1, 4, 3 to lead 16-7 then skip Jim Martin Kenny Dixon and Jimmy Henderson to a 20-13 win over Pat White Alistair Thompson Alex Thompson and Graham Munro. The final spotlight then focusing on Neil Buchanan Marshall Shearer Scott Wood and Stuart Campbell for Tanfield and Robert Bain Gary Harrison Robert Lee and Roy Campbell of Northern. (Stewart Meikle 20/8/9)
West Lothian’s policy of promoting championships with an open entry to encourage greater challenge and opportunity is paying a winning dividend in the Seniors Open with the field 141 strong bidding for the this seasons £200 title. The event- sponsored by Weslo Housing Management- got underway yesterday with preliminary round ties being played at Newbridge, Uphall Station, Mid Calder and the Deans. Tomorrow will see 16 venues in operation for the first round proper. “The numbers are up from 118 as the Senior bowlers of the WLBA welcome the opportunity to compete for a title that has grown in status since attracting the support of our sponsor”, said joint organiser Robert Cuthill, a former grade 1 football referee. And the luck of the draw has ensured that the 2009 renewal will get off to a bang with defending champion Brian Holloran of Pumpherston due to face Mike Ford of Kinneil in a first round clash that is a rerun of last years final. “Weslo Housing Management is very pleased to continue its support for the Seniors Open tournament of the West Lothian Bowling Association and it is terrific news that this years entry is up significantly”, said Chief Executive Mike Bruce. Two past champions lined up in yesterdays opening play and the results brought mixed fortune for George Charleston of Linlithgow and Dick Saunders of Bathgate High. Charleston captured the title as a gallant 75-year old in 2005 having lost the 2003 final to Saunders and he also has the 2002 Seniors ‘champion of champions’ crown on his CV so has known the glories and it is good he continues to compete. However the Linlithgow personality didn’t manage to rise to the occasion at the Deans and made a 21-5 exit to A Chester of Mid Calder. Saunders enjoyed a second success in the Open when he triumphed in 2007 so is hunting a treble and got this seasons campaign off to a successful start at the 21-6 expense of Broxburn challenger Alex Chalmers at Deans. The play at Newbridge was highlighted by a nail-biting success for Kenny Ferguson of Armadale who in a 24-end battle edged a 21-20 thriller over Eric Sinclair of Bellsburn. Sinclair looked to be firmly in the driving seat when accelerating from 12-12 to 18-13 then led 20-14 but a sensational climax saw Ferguson hit 21 with a storming finish of 2, 3, 1, 1.(Stewart Meikle 19/8/9)
Buchan Park (Broxburn) have etched their name on the WLBA Top Ten trophy for a second time having emulated their 2005 success with a nail biting shot margin win over Queensferry after the points were shared 4-4 in Sunday’s final at Bellsburn BC. The final – played in dry but cold and breezy conditions – was an absolute cracker with the watching crowd kept riveted to the action as the battle for supremacy was fought out on a tightrope. Both clubs were surprise finalists and Queensferry were bidding for a title first in the 35-year history of the event but were denied the glory by the agonising margin of 2 shots as Buchan Park staged a heroic finish in the Pairs. Ian Thorburn a hero figure with two massive late conversions to skip Stephen Pettigrew to a 13-11 win over Ally Harper and Neil McLean Buchan Park amassed their four points from wins in the Singles and Pairs while Queensferry kept themselves bang in contention with success in the Triples and Fours. “This is a very emotional success for Buchan Park as the players wanted to win the trophy for three reasons, firstly for the club, secondly for ourselves, and thirdly to dedicate it to the memory of our friend and colleague John Campbell who has just passed away”, said spokesman Barry Sword. There were several strands to the Buchan Park success story and the first concerned Singles spearhead David Ledgerwood who became the architect of title triumph with a brilliant display against Andrew Dunnett. Dunnett- a high profile figure with two WL Masters titles on his CV – was the form horse but it was Ledgerwood that imposed himself on the game as he included a spectacular run of 2, 3, 1, 1, 3 1 to lead 19-5. The Ledgerwood tail was well and truly up and being in no mood to be denied he went on to clinch a 21-9 victory that was gilt edged in value. Queensferry would be rocked and shocked by the demise of their singles star but were on song in the Triples where Stephen King Raymond Reid and Iain McLean converted a 10-1 lead into a commanding 14-4 win. And that looked like a good bonus against the strongly formed BP trio of Steven Fleming Kenny Miller and World Bowls gold medallist Kenny Logan. BP lost the Fours, 18-16, but John Black Billy Irvine Barry Sword and Iain Grant took a big hand in the match result by recovering from 17-4 down to John Nicol Gary Grant Alan Brown and Alan Atkinson.( Stewart Meikle 18/8/9)
Peter Miller is celebrating his birthday weekend and the 46-year old bowls champion of Dudley has made it extra special and permanently memorable by etching his name on the iconic Tait Trophy –established 121 years ago as the Champion of Champions event of the Edinburgh & Leith Bowling Association. The final came close to being a marathon affair as it lasted 28-ends at Gorgie Mills yesterday before Miller came from behind to spring a 21-18 surprise on Robert Donaldson the 34-year title favourite from Parkside. “You’ll never belief this but I dreamt earlier on in the week that I was going to win this even to the extent of beating Robert (Donaldson) in the final”, said Miller later however he remains a duty manager with Travel Lodge as the vivid revelations didn’t include Saturday’s winning lottery numbers. “I am absolutely delighted at becoming the Tait champion and it represents the pinnacle of my achievements in the sport to date and of course because of its status I will now become a cult figure at Dudley”, he added. Miller’s success was a second for his club as Robert Gardner, presently with Parkside, was successful in 1996. Donaldson had to be the favourite in the final as the Edinburgh Fireman has a national junior singles title on his CV and although a first time champion at Parkside is an established Hamilton Trophy player with Edinburgh & Leith. “I am gutted at losing as I felt I had worked my way into a winning position but it’s 21 up that counts and Peter handled the climax better than I did so deserves his win”, summed up Donaldson. The crowd was sparser than it should have been for one of the bowling calendars showpiece occasions and the final itself was full of scrappy play due in many respects to a troublesome cross green breeze and seemingly tricky to master rink. Donaldson won the toss but elected to give the jack away so Miller opted for long but it cost him 2 shots with the Parkside challenger ditching the jack with his third bowl. It shaped like the formbook was going to be justified when Donaldson added a hat trick of singles to lead 5-0 but having changed to short jacks Miller switched back to long and got himself off the mark with a single. Good stuff – a rare commodity at the time- on end six from Miller yielded a double to 3 then Donaldson edged a single on an umpires measure before the Dudley support cheered a purple patch spell of 2, 2, 1, 1 that crossed Miller into a 9-6 lead. The breeze, and the rink, continued to win the quality battle with both players but not all of the time and ripples of applause were evident as Miller answered the loss of a single with a run of 1,1,2 to stand 13-7 up. End 16 was Donaldson best yet, quality wise, and he followed up his 3 shot reward with a single to take closer order at 13-11 then he held shot at the next but lost a 2 to Miller’s last bowl conversion. A brighter sky and a calming of the breeze benefited Donaldson most with improved consistency producing closer heads and a six end run that put 1, 1, 2, 1, 1, 1 on the card, thrusting him into the driving seat at 18-15. “I thought at this stage my sweet dream was going to turn into a nightmare”, said Miller later. Miller arrested his slide with a single to 16 then a Donaldson strike, that exploded on its target, got him a poor result with his opponent counting 2 to 18 then the Parksider’s bubble burst with Miller going on to hit 21 with a 1, 2 finish,
The morning semi finals were of good standard with Miller breaking from 10-10 to 17-10 with a run of 1, 3, 3 but under pressure at 18-17 before carding a 3 on the 22nd end to beat Donny Gilbertson of West End. Meanwhile 27-end battle of the big guns featuring Donaldson against 23-year old Paul O’Donnell of Bainfield was a ding-dong affair won 21-18 by the Parksider having tipped the scales by trailing the jack for a 2 to 20 when facing 3 against at 18-17.(Stewart Meikle 17/8/9)
The climax to the Tait Trophy takes place at Gorgie Mills tomorrow and with the field now down to the last four the challengers for the Champion of Champions crown of the Edinburgh & Leith Bowling Association are Paul O’Donnell, Robert Donaldson, Peter Miller and Donnie Gibertson. (11am and 2-30pm). In terms of profile O’Donnell (Bainfield) and Donaldson (Parkside) are prominent front line stars on the city scene while Miller (Dudley) and Gilbertson (West End) are both known but will be emerging from the shadows if etching their name on the Trophy. Sunday’s venue should benefit O’Donnell most as Gorgie Mills is a Water of Leith league club as is Bainfield and their close proximity to each other suggests that the 23-year old former City of Edinburgh Open champion will enjoy the largest support. None of which matters greatly of course because although in bowling the cream often does come to the top the sports top honours can be claimed by the best, some might say luckiest, bowler ‘on the day’. Everyone has a chance then! Last night’s quarterfinals were all played in a constant drizzle at Dudley but apart from running heavy the green was in excellent condition with no surface water evident and all players declared themselves ‘happy’. Is this a first? The major focus at Dudley was on giant killer Andy McNab of Dean and whether or not he could continue his great run but the axe fell on the 37-year old Postie and O’Donnell wielded it in 18-ends of wizardry. O’Donnell making a dream start with counts of 1, 3, 3, 3, 3, to lead 13-0 and sew the seeds of a pending nightmare for McNab; five ends later the situation of the five times Dean champion had grown worse at 17-4 down. Yes the margin remained the same but O’Donnell now had the winning post crystal clear in his sights. McNab did impress with a follow on five end rally but his reward for a series of exciting conversion’s was all in singles to 9 and with O’Donnell breaking the run with a magic 3 to 20 a 21-10 result was declared two ends later. “I was on fire and hope I can repeat the form on Sunday”, said O’Donnell later. Donaldson’s reputation as a former winner of the Scottish Junior Singles title wasn’t doing him much good at 9-2 down to Derek Lodge of Coltbridge but the 34-year old city fireman does do patience and focus so stayed in their fighting. Lodge eventually came under pressure when crossed 13-11 then trailed 16-12 and 17-14 but refused to be dislodged and battled back to take an 18-17 lead before Donaldson carded two 2’s for the loss of a single to win a 21-19 thriller in 23-ends. “That’s was a real hard slog but on a rink with four good hands. I never handled the jack once”, said Donaldson later. Miller was celebrating his 46th birthday and made it memorable with a 21-14 victory in front of his home crowd against Norman Ingles of Liberton. Ingles led 6-1 but peels were called at 10 and again at 14 after which Miller zipped to 21 with a snappy 3, 2, 1, 1 finish. “I am pleased to have won although the game itself was a bit scrappy on occasions”, the winner said later. Gilbertson put Ross Herriot of Stenhouse under early pressure at 7-2 but had a game on his hands at 10-10 before making telling space to 17-11 with a burst of 3, 2 (1), 2 then remained in command to triumph, 21-16 in 25-ends.
The final of the Edinburgh Cup sponsored by Specsavers Opticians takes place at Corstorphine this afternoon (2pm) with Tanfield bidding to retain the Trophy at the expense of first time finalists Northern.
Surprise finalists Buchan Park and Queensferry make their bid for 2009 glory in the climax to the WLBA Top Ten Championship, sponsored by Linlithgow Sports Club and Belhaven Best, at Bellsburn BC tomorrow (2pm).(Stewart Meikle 15/8/9)
Paul Jeromson of Summerside blew hot and cold in last night’s third round action of the Edinburgh Bowling League Knockout Championships sponsored by Ian Mackay Contracts but got his timing right keep his title challenge alive in the Singles. Jeromson made a slow start to trail George McNab Junior of Dean 7-4 but picked up the pace with a run of 2, 2, 1, 1, 2 to cross 12-7 before failing to cope with a lengthened jack as McNab stormed to 16 with a 2, 2, 1, 2, 2 fight back. McNab looked comfortable in the driving seat with a good build up at the next end but Jeromson burnt the head with a fierce strike then gained a terrific reward with a count of 3 to 15 on the replay. “I never got a look in after that as Paul was revitalised and four ends later I was shaking his hand as a 21-17 victim having been knocked out by a double 1, 2, 1,2 counter punch” explained McNab later. Alistair Mackay of Leith was also an exciting winner having always looked the part when getting back on terms at 10-10 with a run of 1, 1, 1, 1, then leading Brian Sinclair of Portobello 13-11 and 17-14. The melting pot sizzled however as Sinclair surged to 19 with a run of 2, 1, 1, 1 but Mackay emerged the match-winner with a magic 3 to 20 then a single on the 26th end to 21. Peter Grantham of Niddrie made a flying start to lead Dougie McGeachie of Dudley, 10-1 and was seldom troubled as he went on to clinch a 21-8 victory in 20-ends. Paul Veitch of Parkside is the highest profile figure still in the title chase and he stepped up his bid for glory with a commanding 21-7 win over Ray Robertson of Willowbrae.
Blackhall ace George Kirk is already a legend of the Junior Singles having landed a record making title hat trick over 2005/6/7 and the now 25-year olds bid for a fourth success remains well on track. Kirk made a great start to lead Darren Prentice of Northern 11-3 but did have to answer pressure at 11-10 and again at 15-13 before making good space to 20 then clinching a 21-14 win in 17-ends. Parkside challenger Neil Watson found himself engaged in a real ding-dong battle against Chris Conway of Queensberry with peels called at 8 before findng himself 16-11 adrift then crossing to 17 and going on to win a 21-17 cracker. Gavin Rogers of Pilrig made strong headway from 5-5 to 17-7 against Jamie McIntosh of Tanfield and went on to win 21-12 in 25-ends. While former finalist David Kyle of LRF led 15-4 then 18-8 but came under pressure at 20-17 before producing a ‘chap and lie’ conversion to reach 21 against Liam McKay of Tramways.
Play in the Pairs championship saw Tanfield snatch a dramatic success over Parkside with Marshall Shearer’s ditching of the jack leading to a 3 shot reward and him skipping Peter Finlay to a 13-12 win over Martin Quinn and Rab Gardner. Tramways converted a 7-0 lead into a 16-5 win over Blackhall and Hillside crushed Corstorphine 30-7 while Dean finished best from 10-9 to beat Ferranti, 15-10.
Dudley stage the quarterfinals action of the Tait Trophy night with the line up featuring, Andy McNab (Dean) v Paul O’Donnell (Bainfield); Robert Donaldson (Parkside) v Derek Lodge (Coltbridge); Peter Miller (Dudley) v Norman Inglis (Liberton); Donnie Gilbertson (West End) v Ross Heriot (Stenhouse).
Kirkliston stepped up their bid to retain the BARBQ sponsored WLBA Top Five Singles title with a 3-2 away win over Bathgate last night and next play Bridgeness who scored a 3-2 home win over Armadale. Newbridge were at home to Linlithgow and won 3-2 while Queensferry were 3-2 away winners over Bo’ness.( Stewart Meikle 14/8/9)
They were referring to yesterday as ‘The Glorious 12th’ down at Leith BC last night as the packed clubhouse buzzed with the excited celebrations of having captured the Division 2 title of the Alpha Trophies sponsored Edinburgh Bowling League. The club has been in existence for 152 years and include winning the Edinburgh Cup in 2000 among their more notable highlights but gaining promotion to Division 1 puts them back amongst the elite and ranks as a great achievement. “We enjoy the status playing in the top league brings but we have been up and down like a fiddlers elbow in recent times so the great challenge ahead of us in 2010 is to stay up and as always we will give it our best shot”, said spokesman Robert Wood. Leith had Wardie chasing them for the honour of finishing top but enjoyed home green advantage for their final match against Niddrie and although hard pressed for a long way finished up good 7-2 winners. That result was good enough to clinch the title anyway but in the event Wardie blew their chance of the title, away to already relegated Postal; albeit their 5-4 win secured them promotion in second place. Wardie were flirting with disaster however as Willowbrae could have piped them at the post, but the third placed challengers blew it big time with a crushing 9-0 defeat at Maitland. London Road Foundry’s 8-1 home win over Dean did the bottom club little good. The final league positions were, Leith 84, Wardie 78, Willowbrae 69.5, Maitland 64, Dean 62, Niddrie 52.5, Postal 47, LRF 47.The title celebrations at Leith were sparked by wins for the rinks skipped by Adam Davidson, John Ramsay, and Archie Davidson. Robert Wood would have joined them but the loss of 3,1 on the run in cost his rink a 15-11 defeat from Peter Grantham. It wasn’t plain sailing for Adam Davidson at the start but he soon wiped out a 6-2 deficit to cross 13-7 then he added a magnificent 7 to skip Alistair Mackay Jimmy Malcolm and Grant Ramsay to a 20-13 win over Gary Swain. John Ramsay slipped from 13-6 to 13-13 but answered the pressure with a mighty 5 and went on to skip Alistair Sellar Alistair Kennedy and Davy Morris to a 20-15 win over David Scott. Archie Davidson was twice pegged back by Ronnie McArdle but then broke to 17-14 with a magic 3 and battled on to skip Bob Scott Eddie Thompson and Peter McCabe to a 21-19 win. Meanwhile John Maginnis and John Duncan were the successful skips for Wardie at Postal and did enough to earn the bonus point by more than covering the defeat of Larry Sorrrell and Alan Ward. Maginnis put the froth on the Wardie challenge by skipping Chris Peace Pete McKinlay and Alan Nicol to a 17-7 win over George Gray having made a telling break from 8-5 to 16-5 with a run of 1, 4, 1, 1, 1. Willowbrae’s heartbreak at Maitland was caused by wins for home skips Iain Gardiner, Ian Watson, Charlie Borwick, and Jim Robertson.(Stewart Meikle 13/8/9)
Robert Donaldson is far from being a dark horse but the 34 year old champion of Parkside is a first timer in the Tait Trophy and is mounting a serious challenge for the Edinburgh & Leith ‘Champion of Champions’ crown. It’s surprising that Donaldson is a first time champion of his club as his extra special talents have been evident since capturing the national headlines in 1998 as the Scottish Junior Singles champion. Donaldson, a city fireman, lined up at West End BC last night in a re-arranged second round tie against Goldenacre ace Colin Hutchison and proceeded to beat the 2006 Tait champion in a sensationally short 14-ends. Hutchison, a 24-year old sports officer with Edinburgh Leisure, is a junior cap and very much on top of his game these days but a nightmare scenario started to emerge when Donaldson stormed into a 9-1 lead then powered his way to 15-4. Donaldson conceded a 2 to 6 but then delighted his support with a 1, 2, 3 finish to 21. “We both found the rink a very challenging one and often frustrating but I think the big difference between us was that my bowls worked the hands better”, summed up the Parkside champion.
Last night’s semi finals of the WLBA Top Ten both produced upsets and it may be that special forces were at work as the surprise winning clubs are both outlets of Belhaven Brewery who have just taken over as joint sponsorsof the event with Linlithgow Sports Club. Buchan Park gained a shot margin verdict of plus 3 over the might of Kirkliston having snatched a 4-4 share of the points at Broxburn while Queensferry just tipped the scales for a 6-2 win over Linlithgow at Bridgeness. Former Kirkliston star Kenny Logan did his old club, or his brother Raymond the opposing skip, no favours as he skipped Steven Fleming and Kenny Miller to a vital 12-11 win in the Triples although it was Miller who ditched the jack for a 2 at the last. That last gasp win combined with the 19-5 thumping of John Aitken by John Black Billy Irvine Barry Sword and Iain Grant in the Fours to win the match. The clincher for Queensferry was a 2, 2, finish by Alan Atkinson to pip Colin Stein, 14-13, in the Triples.(Stewart Meikle 12/8/9)
Dean champion Andy McNab emerged the headline maker in last night’s second round action of the Tait Trophy having despatched holder and three times champion Robert Marshall in a 22-end confrontation at the Northern BC. Marshall was the hot favourite to land the high prestige Champion of Champions crown of the Edinburgh & Leith Bowling Association but the 45-year old was always against the collar in his 21-13 exit to McNab. McNab, a 37-year old Postie in the Comely Bank area of the Capital City, did come into last nights clash on a personal high as the 5 times champion of Dean had defeated national singles finalist Scott Mackintosh of LRF in the previous round. “Defeating Scott in what was a good game boosted my confidence no end ahead of tackling Robert who I saw as an even bigger mountain to climb as he is a 16 times champion of Slateford and his reputation in Edinburgh is massive”, said McNab McNab certainly showed no signs of overawe as he made a strong start to lead 7-3 and the signs for him were good when answering a challenge at 7-7 with a purple patch spell of 1, 1, 1, (1), 1, 3 to hold the driving seat at 14-8. Marshall’s tendency to fall short when playing to a three-quarter-length jack was doing him no favours and his isolated single to 9 was punished with a 1, 1, 1 reply that pushed McNab in clear sight of the finishing line at 17. “I sensed I had the measure of Robert at that stage but new I had to stay focused because his type have the skill and appetite to fight back and that danger became evident when he carded a 1 and a 2 to 12”, described the Dean champion. McNab killed that fight back with an easier than expected 3 at the next to 20 then could only stand back and applaud the brilliance of a life-saving Marshall draw for a single to 13 on the 21st end. Marshall continued to show he was still alive and kicking with a hold of 2 at the next end but McNab was still holding his excellent form and his ‘chap and lie’ for a single to 21 provided a grandstand climax to an entertaining encounter. “I have been playing bowls since the age of 16 and this win over Robert is the highlight of my career so far but the quality is coming at me thick and fast in the Tait as I hear my next opponent is former Edinburgh Open champion Paul O’Donnell” O’Donnell represents the younger brigade at 23 year old and the four times champion of Bainfield survived a tough test last night when he produced the goods at the 21-13 expense of his Whitehouse & Grange counterpart Andrew Sneddon. Sneddon won the Tait for Tanfield as a 33-year old in 2002 but dropped himself out of the bowling scene for a while but hopes of a glorious return to the mainstream were dashed in 23-ends as O’Donnell held all the trump cards. O’Donnell found the Queensberry green much to his liking and set a strong pace to lead 7-2, 11-5, and 13-7 then he answered the loss of a double with a hat trick of singles to have Sneddon at his 16-9 mercy. I think the moment that mattered most came when I led 17-12 but faced 3 against me before first of all spreading the head with a strike then drawing for a single to 18”, said O’Donnell later.
Coltbridge champion Derek Lodge was playing a blinder at Mayfield where he had 50-year old Colin Bell of Hillside against the cosh at 16-5 and he triumphed 21-19; but had sweat on his brow as Bell menaced him at 20-19. Ross Heriot of Roseburn used a short mat tactic to great effect at Postal where he broke from 9-8 to 16-10 and battled on to beat Keith Holland of Caledonian, 21-17. Donnie Gilbertson of West End crushed the luckless Gordon Plenderleith of Lutton Place, 21-4, in just 10 ends at Craigentinny while Peter Miller carried the Dudley banner forward at the 21-13 expense of Northern’s Mike Burns at Wardie. Norrie Inglis of Liberton walked over while the clash between Colin Hutchison of Goldenacre and Robert Donaldson of Parkside takes place tonight.( Stewart Meikle 11/8/9)
The semi final action of the Edinburgh Top Ten Championship on Saturday produced one form line upset with Northern edging a shot margin victory over Queensberry after an exciting 4-4 share of the points. It was an interesting clash between two teams destined to renew rivalry in the Edinburgh Bowling League next season as Northern have just gained promotion from Division 3 while Queensberry have been relegated from Division 1. The Northern is an exciting place to be playing bowls these days as they have also reached the final of the Edinburgh Cup but will line up as the underdogs to Tanfield in that one and to Slateford in the Top Ten. However the clubhouse is buzzing and the players bursting with enthusiasm so the thought of defeat in either event probably hasn’t entered their minds. Well maybe just a little bit as their task on both occasions is going to be awesome. The significant result on Saturday was the outcome in the Fours at Queensberry with the home rink of Chris Conway Colin Jones Jimmy McDougall and John Kidd seemingly in the driving seat having picked up from 9-9 to lead 14-11. Northern were up against but managed to steal 2 precious points when Hughie Hilson skipped Jim Prentice Jim McKenna and Alan Mitchell to a 16-14 victory having produced a thrilling 1, 3, 1 finish. It was rough justice for Queensberry as they had suffered a mishap of their own making when holding vital shots on that run in and they already had the Singles in the bag with Brian Pollard delivering a 21-17 win over George Prentice in 22-ends. The true cost of a home defeat for Queensberry became evident when their triple of Scott Walker Andy Clyne and Alan Watson emerged from a ding-dong battle at Northern with a 14-13 win over Jim Henderson Roy Campbell and Mike Burns. Northern desperately needed a second success and their hero figures emerged in the shape of Stan Christie and Gordon Wilson who led 6-0, 13-7, 16-8 then went on to clinch a 23-13 home win over Brian Larkin and Frank O’Reilly.
The other semi final was a ‘big guns’ clash across the city divide featuring Tanfield and twice-national champions Slateford. Slateford won the battle 6-2 with spearhead figure Robert Marshall playing a prominent role as he won his head to head with Mal Higgenbotham in the Singles and in convincing 21-11 style. The intriguing clash of the two 2009 club champions saw Marshall streak into an 8-0 lead on his own patch then stretch to 14-2 before hitting 21 from 16-11 with a 2, 3 finish. “I retained the jack at all times and concentrated on playing a short length”, said Marshall later. Slateford chalked up another home success in the Fours with Scott Brunton fully extended from 14-14 to skip Mike Fraser Louis Beaton and Brian McCann to a 20-18 win over Neil Buchanan Charlie McLaren Stuart Campbell and Graham Munro. Tanfield got their challenge off the mark at home in the Triples with Derek McLean doubling his score with a 6 from 6-5 to 12-5 then skipping Jamie McImtosh and Willie Paul to a 16-8 win over Rab Stewart Jimmy Gordon and John Ramsay. The big question now was could the ill fated Scottish Pairs finalists Alec Thompson and Graeme McIntosh tip the match scales for Tanfield against the Ramsay brothers- Ronnie and Andrew. But continuing misery for the Tanfield partnership saw them piped 14-12 in an extremely tight finish.
Tonight’s second round action in the Tait Trophy has at least two ties of note with Robert Marshall facing Andy McNab at Northern and Andrew Sneddon tackling Paul O’Donnell at Queensberry. (Stewart Meikle 10/8/9)
EDINBURGH TOP TEN BOWLING TOURNAMENT, 2009
RESULTS OF SEMI-FINAL TIES PLAYED ON SATURDAY 8th AUGUST
SLATEFORD 6 TANFIELD 2
QUEENSBERRY 4 NORTHERN 4 (Northern won on shots)
SLATEFORD and NORTHERN will therefore contest the Final at Parkside
B.C. on 22nd August
Scott Mackintosh had hoped that Tait Trophy progress would dull the pain of his agonising loss in the recent Singles final of the Scottish Championships but the 38 year old made a dramatic 21-20 exit in last night’s first round proper. And reminiscent of last weekend’s title slipping through his fingers the ten times champion of London Road Foundry was again firmly in the driving seat at 17-11 up on Andy McNab of Dean at Summerside. But McNab isn’t a five times champion at Dean for nothing and the 38-year old showed resilience with a full house 4 to 15 although he was back under immense pressure when Mackintosh responded with a magic count of 3 to 20. McNab stayed alive with a double to 17 and a single to 18 then in a pulsating climax saved game against him on three separate ends as he converted each time for a hat trick of singles and place in Monday night’s second round.
Tait Trophy holder Robert Marshall was in excellent form at Caledonian where the 45-year old 16 times champion of Slateford crushed Denis Kenny of Ardmillan, 21-5. “Scott (Mackintosh) dashed my dreams when we clashed at Ayr last week so I was hoping we would meet again and of course if we had it would have been a rerun of last years Tait final”, said Marshall in response to the news that the LRF champion was out. Andy Sneddon of Whitehouse & Grange continued his exciting return to the limelight with the 2002 Tait champion showing strong form to beat Scott Rogers of Pilrig 21-16 at Trinity having led 10-3 but well tested at 18-16. Colin Hutchison is a six times champion of Goldenacre and Tait winner of 2006 making the 24-year old a leading contender but a shock was on the cards when he trailed his Niddrie counterpart 10-0 at Coltbridge. “But I felt I was playing well enough and when my turn came I changed the jack length from long to shorter then having closed to 12-15 I reached 20 with a run of 2, 1, 3, 1, 1 and was relieved to win 21-17” explained Hutchison. Bainfield champion Paul O’Donnell raced into a 9-1 lead over Gary Nisbet of Craigentinny at Sighthill and the 2005 City of Edinburgh Balgreen Singles winner continued to dominate in a 21-8 victory. Parkside star Robert Donaldson beat Paul Manson of Mayfield, 21-11 at Criagmillar Park, Derek Lodge of Coltbridge made space to 18-9 with two 4’s and deat Bob Scott of Leith a 21-18 exit at Pilrig while Mike Burns of Northern beat Martin Watt of Summerside, 21-14 at Tramways.(Stewart Meikle 8/8/9)
Tonight’s first round proper of the Tait Trophy brings several big guns into the firing line including last year’s champion Robert Marshall of Slateford and runner up Scott Mackintosh of London Road Foundry. The ‘Champion of Champion’s’ showcase event of the Edinburgh & Leith Bowling Association also features other prominent figures like Colin Hutchison (Goldenacre), Paul O’Donnell (Bainfield), Scott Rogers (Pilrig), and Andrew Sneddon of Whitehouse and Grange. Marshall (3), Hutchison, and Sneddon are former winners of the Capital City’s most coveted individual honour and remain hungry for more success while Mackintosh is driven by a strong desire to step up on two losses in the final. Marshall, now a 16 times champion of Slateford, takes on Denis Kenny pf Ardmillan at Caledonian (6-30pm) while 10 times LRF club champion Scott Mackintosh tackles Andy McNab of Dean at Summerside. Sneddon dropped himself out of the bowling scene soon after his 2002 success under the Tanfield banner but he now makes a welcome return to the limelight however has his hands full against his Pilrig counterpart Scott Rogers at Trinity. Hutchison won his title in 2006 and is due to step up his latest challenge against Beechwood or Niddrie at Liberton while O’Donnell should have a battle on his hands against Gary Nisbet of Craigentinny at Ardmillan. Colin Bell, ex Slateford and Brunstane, carry’s the flag for his latest club Hillside and faces Braid at Willowbrae while Martin Watt of Summerside has won his club title for a third time and lines up against Northern at Tramways.
Last night’s first round of the Edinburgh Bowling League Knockout Championships sponsored by Ian Mackay Contracts included a nail biting 21-20 win for Ray Robertson of Willowbrae against Graham Ward of Pilrig at Portobello. It was a ding-dong battle that lasted 26-ends and saw peels called at 13 and 19 before Robertson answered the loss of a single to 20 with a brilliant chap and lie conversion that yielded him 2 shots for victory. Brian Sinclair of Portobello added a space-making 4 to lead 18-10 then answered growing pressure at 19-16 with a couple of singles to beat John Shields of Craigentinny at Summerside. Alister Mackay of Leith wiped out an 8-1 deficit to cross 11-10 then pulled away strongly from 15-14 to beat Mark Hogg of Goldenacre, 21-16, at Craigentinny.
Carrick Knowe celebrated its first long awaited success in the Water of Leith First Sixteen’s League last season and like a No1 bus the second title has followed hard on the heels of the first. “We have retained the title in truly spectacular fashion and with just one more fixture to fulfil there is talk that our final points tally will be a record in over 100 years of the WOL history”, informed an excited spokesman Colin Mitchell. Mitchell was very subdued however on another subject as the recent Scotland captain had just learned via the SBA website that his name had been removed from the select High Performance List of players from which the 2010 Commonwealth Games team will emerge. “Not the best way to find out”, said Mitchell who was a member of the 2006 team for the Melbourne Games. Mitchell was in tip top form for Carrick Knowe in Wednesday nights League game helping the club to a 4-1 away win over Colinton that moved them onto the 70 points mark some 14.5 ahead of closest rivals Sighthill. Mitchell carded a sizzling 6 early doors and that inspired him to skip Robert Mitchell (nephew), Bill Little and Keven Tennant to a monster 28-8 win over Colinton champion David Fisher. Double figure wins were also chalked by the rink of Freddy Carter Dougie Balio Graham Pringle and James Hogg, also Ian McKenna Colin Spence John Mitchell and Richard Tough. But Colinton’s Bill Watson did inflict an 8 shot defeat on Darren Hush Rab Hush Blair Paton and Alan Poole. Bainfield remain in third place on the 49 point mark but have struggled for consistency this season and their latest result was a 4.5 – 0.5 defeat away to middle of the table Beechwood. Sighthill have the Second Sixteen’s title in the bag with their latest 4-1 away win over Currie giving them 63.5 points to the 57.5 of second placed Bainfield.( Stewart Meikle 7/8/9)
Craigentinny clinched the Division 1 title of the Alpha Trophies sponsored Edinburgh Bowling League last night and they did it in great style, at home, with a crushing 9-0 demolition of record six times champions Tanfield. There is still one league fixture to fulfil but Craigentinny are uncatchable having moved 11 points ahead of Parkside who are destined to be runners up for the second year running. Tanfield’s respite from distressing results proved short lived and their recent leading men in the news, namely Graeme McIntosh and Mal Higgenbotham, were back in the doldrums with both at the helm of losing rinks. And there was additional pain for McIntosh with the skip of the Scottish Pairs finalists suffering the bowler’s embarrassment of conceding a full house 8. “If I ever pen a book on my bowling career then the events of the last four days will get a dedicated chapter headed ‘My 4 days of Pain with no Gain’ quipped the 1992 City of Edinburgh Balgreen Singles champion. The headline makers for Craigentinny were regular skips Ian Paterson, Willie McDonald, Kevin McFarlane, and Andrew Jeffrey with McDonald gaining extra credit as the sole campaign team selector. “This is our third title success having previously ruled the roost in 1999 and 2005 and what is special about 2009 is that we have led a strong field from start to finish” summed up spokesman Grant McLaren. Craigentinny’s chief executioner was former Tait Trophy champion Ian Paterson who set Graham Munro up for the chop with a deadly run of 2, 7, 1, 4, 4, 1, 2 as he skipped Craig McCall John Shields and David Brown to a 34-10 victory. Willie McDonald was also in fine form to cash in on a 12-1 lead and skip Darren Smith Grant McLaren and Andrew Caldwell to a 26-14 win over McIntosh. It was early second end drama that saw McDonald card an 8 with the initial setting up done by Caldwell when the former Scottish Junior Singles champion snicked the jack neatly into a bunch of Craigentinny bowls. Kevin McFarlane saw an early 8-2 lead wiped out to peels at 9 but he made a fresh start with a mighty 5 and skipped Paul Robertson Gary Nisbet and Kevin Hunter to a 21-11 win over Stuart Campbell. Andy Jeffrey made good space from 2-2 to 10-2 with a run of 4, 1, 1, 1, 1 then answered pressure at 14-12 to skip Jamie Reid Scott Duncan and Gordon Bold to a 16-12 win over Higgenbotham. Pilrig’s defence of the title has been a stumbling hot and cold affair and last night saw the wheels come completely off as they crashed to 9-0 defeat at home to Parkside. Alex Hurry emerged the spearhead figure for Parkside as he grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and skipped Hally Cockburn Rab Gardner and Danny Jackson to a 29-10 thumping of Chris Steven. Robert Donaldson staged a grandstand finish by ditching the jack for a last end 5 to skip Martin Burns David Moran and Brian Salvona to a 20-13 win over Darren McKenny. Willie Watson was always doing just enough to skip Neil Watson David Grant and Darren Grant to an 18-13 win over David Poole. The tightest match of the game saw Paul Veitch tip the scales with a double at the last to skip Andrew Davie Martin Quinn and Derek Smith to a 16-14 win over Scott Rogers. Elsewhere two away wins saw Hillside good 7-2 winners over difficult to beat Goldenacre and in a battle between the two relegated teams Dudley beat Queensberry, 7-2.
The major confrontation in the battle for the Division 2 title saw Wardie remain in second place despite their 5-4 home win over leaders Leith. Wins for the rinks skipped by John Duncan and Larry Sorrell was enough to earn the bonus point for Wardie by a margin of 7 shots. Duncan soon led 14-1 and skipped Dave Wylie Jim Fyfe and Ross Wylie to a 22-10 win over Robert Wood while Sorrell built on a 7-0 lead to skip Callum Cleland Dave King and Scott Walker to a 17-11 win over Drew Dodds. But third placed Willowbrae beat LRF 9-0 so its still a three-horse race for the two promotion places going into the final fixtures.
BOWLS RESULTS. EBL Div 1. Craigentinny 9 Tanfield 0; Pilrig 0 Parkside 9; Goldenacre 2 Hillside 7; Queensberry 2 Dudley 7. EBL Div 2. Dean 5 Maitland 4; Willowbrae 9 LRF 0; Wardie 5 Leith 4; Niddrie 4 Postal 5.
WOL 1st 16’s. Beechwood 4.5 Bainfield 0.5; Gorgie Mills 3 Balerno 2; Colinton 1 Carrick Knowe 4; Sighthill 4 Currie 2; Slateford 3 Juniper Green 2. WOL 2nd 16’s. Bainfield 3 Beechwood 2; Balerno 2 Gorgie Mills 3; Carrick Knowe 5 Colinton 9; Currie 1 Sighthill 4; Juniper Green 2 Slateford 3.( Stewart Meikle 6/8/9)
EDINBURGH TOP TEN BOWLING TOURNAMENT, 2009
RESULTS OF QUARTER FINAL TIES PLAYED ON TUESDAY 4th AUGUST
SLATEFORD 6 WEST END 2
SIGHTHILL 0 TANFIELD 8
QUEENSBERRY 6 WARDIE 2
NORTHERN 5 DUDLEY 3
Tanfield have moved back into the realms of positive headlines following last night’s terrific 8-0 points victory over former champions Sighthill in the quarterfinals of the Edinburgh Top Ten Championship. Depression might well have set in following Sunday’s outcome in the national pairs and the defeat of club champion Mal Higgenbotham in the prelim round action of the Tait Trophy on Monday night. “I never slept a wink on Sunday night but life has to go on and thankfully our appetite was back come last night” was the view expressed by gutted Pairs skip Graeme McIntosh. McIntosh again partnered his Scottish Championships lead Alec Thompson for last nights tilt at Sighthill and they were in excellent form at home to inflict an 18-10 defeat on Gary Connolly and Alan Trotter. It wasn’t instant as they had to recover from a 6-2 deficit but they hit the front with a run of 2, 2, 1, 3 to lead 10-6 then from 13-10 they produced a 1, 1, 1, 2 finish. Tanfield’s home leg also produced a tremendous 24-10 in the Triples with Derek McLean skipping Jamie McIntosh and Willie Paul to an astonishing finishing run of 3, 1, 3, 1, 1, 2, 6 against Adam Melrose John McDermott and Paul Noble. The news from the away leg at Sighthill was of major proportion with Higgenbotham obviously stung by his exit from the Tait and rampaging to a phenomenal 21-2 win over former City of Edinburgh Balgreen champion Jamie Gracie. Tanfield completed their whitewash of the opposition with Graham Munro skipping Neil Buchanan Stuart McKean and Stuart Campbell to an away win over Allan Scott in the Fours.
West End were the giant killers in the previous round but it was their turn to be axed last night with the formbook proved correct by their 6-2 defeat by Slateford. But the underdogs did put up a good fight and especially so in the Singles where Slateford king pin Robert Marshall was taken close to the wire on his home patch before clinching a 21-19 win over Donnie Gilbertson. Gilbertson led 17-10 before Marshall closed to 16 then the visitor lay for the game at 19-18 but the 16 times Slateford champion converted for a double then added the winning single on the 25th end. West End scored a home success with Murray Baillie and Moray Tait cashing in on a 10-0 lead to beat Bill Herd and Rab Stewart, 20-6; but Slateford took the Triples with Jimmy Gordon Ronnie Ramsay and Andrew Ramsay beating Duncan McLaren, 19-7. Meanwhile elsewhere Northern continued their good run of form with a 5-3 win over EBL Division 1 club Dudley, and Queensberry reached the semi finals at the 6-2 expense of Wardie.
Last night’s quarterfinals action of the WLBA Top Ten saw Buchan Park and Kirkliston romp to 8-0 home wins over Winchburgh and Harthill respectively. Queensferry were held to a 4-4 share at home to West Calder but a shot margin plus of 24 saw them through while Linlithgow finished with 5 shots in hand to win away from home after a 4-4 share with Broxburn.
Monday night’s prelim round of the E&L Tait Trophy saw former champion Mal Higgenbotham make a 21-18 exit to Scott Rogers of Pilrig in a 22-end thriller at Goldenacre. Higgenbotham looked to be coasting at 12-5 up but Rogers changed the jack length to short and zipped to 20 then it was his turn to sweat at 20-18 and two against before ditching the jack for a dramatic winning single. And Sunday night’s sleepless night for national singles runner up Scott Mackintosh didn’t stop the 10 times champion of London Road Foundry from finding the form and appetite to give Wallace Millar of Willowbrae a 21-3 roasting. Bainfield champion Paul O’Donnell was a good 21-6 winner over Ian McKenna of Carrick Knowe and former Tait champion Andrew Sneddon – then of Tanfield now of Whitehouse and Grange- beat Jim Paterson of Tramways. Gary Nisbet carried the Craigentinny banner forward at the 21-15 expense of Colinton’s David Fisher while Denis Kenny of Ardmillan beat Bobby Peebles of Seafield, 21-12. The Tait continues on Friday night.(Stewart Meikle 5/8/9)
Whilst Scott Mackintosh suffered the agony of letting the Scottish Singles title slip through his fingers after having it in the palm of his hand the experience of his District 11 colleagues Alec Thompson and Graeme McIntosh of Tanfield was even more traumatic and dramatic in the final of the Pairs at Ayr Northfield. The Tanfield partnership – and their support- displayed tremendous sportsmanship in the split second moment that transformed the imminent title celebration into the gut-wrenching realisation that the great prize had been denied them. If there was an upside to it then it was that they were victims of a most magical and special climax that saw Davy Ross and Sandy McDougall of Glenmvais (Bathgate) snatch the title with a sensational last bowl delivery—at an extra end. McDougall became the hero figure when in a Susan Boyle like moment he over came tons of pressure in front of a crowded banking to draw an inch perfect shot with the very last bowl when the margin of error was zero. The decision to draw rather than strike was both bold and brave so the expectation level of McDougall producing ‘the bowl of the entire championships’ wasn’t itself much higher than zero due to the technical challenges that confronted him. “What can you say our world collapsed in front of our very eyes yet there was no luck involved and in that instant you could only applaud the exceptional skill that had robbed us of what would have been our greatest moment in the sport”, summed up McIntosh. If 41-year old McDougall – the No16 seed in the recent West Lothian Masters- had been capable of a triple cartwheel he would have done so but he wisely settled for an upward look to the heavens and a wide smile that embraced the thunderous applause. The title was a first national for the Glenmavis club and made the championships a memorable one for the town of Bathgate with the Ladies Singles title annexed by Lorraine Malloy of neighbour club Springgrove. Spare a big thought for Tanfield though as they went into the last end of the final holding a formidable 4 shot lead but were forced after a measure into an extra-end decider on which both Thompson and McIntosh played exceptionally well. Dee Hogan – a niece of 2000 singles champion John McCrorie- captured the Junior Singles for East Lothian with the young Tranent star earning great applause for style and content in her straight sets win over Stacey Lungley of Gourock Park in the final. It was the perfect climax to a great campaign for Hogan who included junior cap Lisa Barrett of Winchburgh and holder Lesley Gordon of Strathmiglo among her victims. And East Lothian celebrated a title double with Port Seton sisters Lauren and Leanne Baillie defeating Janette Hush and Diane Mc Ewan in the semi finals of the 4-Bowl Pairs then St Vincent, 20-13, in the final. Retired Newsagent Eleanor Bannerman and her partner Janet Dow of Eskmills made a bold run to the final of the 2-Bowl pairs but lost 17-12 to Irvine Park. Port Seton suffered a surprise 24-7 defeat from New Abbey in the final of the Gents Triples, and Blackburn were edged out 17-15 by Castle Kennedy in the Ladies version while the Willowbrae rink of Margaret Moffat Dorothy Drummond Ann Skirving and Grace McGregor lost 21-12 to Kilmarnock Portland in the final of the Fours(Stewart Meikle 4/8/9/)
Scott Mackintosh had the blue riband Single’s title of the Scottish Bowling Championships in the palm of his hand at Ayr Northfield yesterday but the 38-year old from London Road foundry let it slip through his fingers. And in agonising fashion too as the District 11 champion had excited his support by going 15-10 up on local Ayrshire hope Alister Reid of Seafield and then battled n to get first sight of the coveted national crown at 17-14. The next end (19th) was working out a treat with Mackintosh holding 2 for 19 but the Edinburgh challenger was deprived of them both by a last bowl noser that closed the score to 17-15. End 20 brought disaster in the shape of a horrendous display from both finalists that resulted in Mackintosh surrendering a 4 with his closest bowl about 4 foot from the jack. The match scales had dramatically tipped in favour of Reid and with his tail now up he produced another last bowl conversion from a single to a single to reach 20. Reid continued the policy of both players to retain the jack and opting for his favoured three-quarter length built up a good head but it was Mackintosh that held a single shot when taking to the mat for his final bowl. “I had been holding a position that offered me some chance of getting my 4 shots back for the title but Alister took the shine of that with his last bowl so I opted to just try and draw a second shot”, explained Mackintosh later. Mackintosh produced what looked like a fine effort but it was a touch overbold and unfortunate contact with the jack saw him snick it several inches towards his opponents bowl ----- and after an Umpire’s measure the title winning shot was declared in favour of Reid. “Look it wasn’t a great game and I am pleased that over the piece I managed to reach the national final but my one regret is that I gave the title away and that fact will keep me off my sleep tonight”. added Mackintosh. The morning semi finals saw Mackintosh in fine form to score a commanding 21-5 win over Graham Jardine of Milton of Campsie while Reid defeated David Crawford of Galston, 21-16. The preview to the Singles event in the News managed to airbrush out the title success of Billy Mellors achieved under the Goldenacre banner in 2006.
These were joint championships for the first time ever and in contrast to the men’s result there was joy and ecstasy for West Lothian in the Ladies Singles with 43-year old Lorraine Malloy of Springgrove (Bathgate) capturing the title for a second time. It was predicted that Malloy would have her hands full in the final against indoor international skip Jean Sykes of Cumnock who had ended the reign of holder Marie Todd (Newton St Boswell) in the morning semi finals. But the 2007 champion played a blinder to win convincingly, 21-10, in 20-ends. Malloy opened the final with a first bowl noser that led to a count of 2 and she went on to add three singles for a 5-0 lead then she answered the loss of two singles with a run of 3, 3, 1 for a 12-2 command that forced Sykes onto the back foot. Sykes stuck to her task with some determination and closed menacingly to 16-10 but was still not finding the consistency of line and length that Malloy was displaying and the Springgrove ace turned the screw with a couple of 2’s to 20. Malloy had coped admirably with changes of mat and jack length introduced by Skyes but playing to her own three-quarter jack on the 20th end she covered it with her third bowl and it proved to be the title-winning delivery. “I new that I had mastered the pace of the rink right from the start and that breeds its own confidence and helps you cope with the pressures of a big crowd so I found winning the title for a second time a wonderful experience”, summed up Malloy. Malloy’s goose had looked to be cooked in the morning semi finals when she trailed Margaret Duthie of Abergeldie, 13-5, but she fought back to cross 16-15 then from 16-17 hit 21 with a glorious 3, 2 finish.(Stewart Meikle 3/8/9)
Opportunity
of title glory will knock for Scott Mackintosh
when the District 11 champion lines up in the
last 4 stage of the Singles in the national
bowling championships that conclude at Ayr
Northfield tomorrow. The
10 times champion of London Road Foundry is no
back number and faces Graham Jardie of Milton of
Campsie in the morning semi finals (9-30) with
the winner tackling the winner of Ayrshire hopes
Alister Reid of Seafield or David Crawford of
Galston for the title. The final has a 2-30pm
start. Yesterday's chief highlight in the Singles
was a quarterfinal clash between Mackintosh and
and his District 12 counterpart Robert Marshall
of Slateford, both having won their morning
second round ties in good but different
style. Mackintosh being severely tested at 15-10
down to Hugh Smith of Stonehouse before fighting
back to win 21-17 in 25-ends.Marshall, in
contrast, hit the ground running to lead Gary
Mortimer of Causewayhead (Stirling) 12-1 after 8
ends then clinching a 21-4 triumph in 14.And to
heighten Evening News interest in the
destination of the championships blue riband
title the two Edinburgh & leith challengers were
joined in the third round by Jim Pringle of
Aberlady. Marshall came into his clash with
Mackintosh as the overall title favourite and
also with the form line of having scored a
commanding victory over his opponent when they
clashed in last seaon's final of The Tait
Trophy. Mackintosh however took scant notice of
their personal history and proceeded to tear up
the form book with a strong opening to lead 12-2
after 9-ends.Marshall at his point was matching
the weather which had changed from bright and
settled in the morning to a dismal drizzle in
the afternoon. The 45-year old Slateford ace
needed a large dose of inspiration and the first
flash came at the next end when a perfectly
judged trail produced a 3 shot reward to
5.Marshall wisely held onto the jack and
switched the length from short to long and
that sparked further counts of 2, 1, 1, 1 to 9,
lifting his own spirits and that of his
support. The revival looked set to continue with
a good hold at the next end but massive
misfortune from a tight last bowl delivery
resulted in him promoting Mackintosh in for a
single to 13.Mackintosh promptly returned to a
short jack and benefited with a count of 3 to
16. Marshall did reply with a 2 to 11 but then
miscast the jack into the ditch and found
himself back to the short version once
again.Mackintosh- who had seemed to be wilting-
had now weathered the storm and produced some
good stuff to keep Marshall at bay to finish a
worthy 21-12 winner.Meanwhile Jim Pringle was
serving up some delighful bowls but was engaged
in a ding-dong battle with Graham
Jardine.The East Lothian champion held 2 good
shots to go peels from 18-16 down but made an
abrupt exit when his rival produced a last bowl
trail for a 3 to 21.Chris Steven of Pilrig
reached the last 8 of the junior singles only to
make an unbelievable 21-3 exit to Kevin Wallace
of Clackmannan. Steven was joined on the
sidelines by strong Port Seton hope Derek Oliver
who collapsed from 14-13 up to 21-14 defeat from
Elliot Reid of Westermains. Tanfield are through
in the Pairs with Alec Thompson and Graeme
McIntosh beating Hawick then converting an 11-4
lead into a 21-8 win over Ayr Craigie. But
Sighthill's Allan Scott and Alan Trotter bowed
out having defeated Meigle, 14-13, but losing
15-13 to Lockerbie. However late drama saw Davy
Ross and Sandy McDougall of Glenmavis (Bathgate)
first beat Cullen 17-12 then land a last end 3
to beat St Vincent, 14-12,Extra end drama in the
Triples saw Port seton edge Stenhousemuir 16-15
while West Barns made the last day at the 17-12
expense of Houldsworth; but Tranent blew a 15-10
lead in the Fours by conceding 1, 5, 3 on the
run in to Whitehill, Aberdeen
(Stewart Meikle
1/8/9)
Ladies Day at the national bowling championships at Ayr Northfirld yesterday saw Craigentinny star Elizabeth McConnell fire up the Edinburgh challenge in the Singles.The District 5 champion opened in fine form and proceeded to produce a confident display to beat Maureen Wallace of Tulliallan, 21-14 in 20-ends.McConnell blazed a 10-4 trail over the first six ends then coped with the loss of a by making fresh space to 13-8 and found more ammunition when challenged at 13-11 to move to 18-11.Hopes of and Edinburgh achieving a first round double in the Singles soon looked doubtfull with District 6 champion Aimie Robertson of Braid never quite able to produce her best form.Robertson came against the collar at 9-2 down to Sheila Cole of Kincaidston & Belmont and despite making late headway lost 21-15 in 24-ends.West Lothian had a good day in the Singles with Lorraine Malloy of Springgrove and Lindsey McPhillips of East Calder both winning.Malloy- national champion in 2007 - made a strong break from 5-7 to 17-7 with counts of 3, 1, 1, 2, 2, 1, 1, 1 then clinched a 21-16 win over Laurie McMaster of Inverkeithing in 24-ends.McPhillips became engaged ina real ding-dong battle with Dot Low of Danderhall with peels called at 7, 14, 15, and 17 before she hit 21 with a 1, 2, 1 finish.There was a major West Lothian shock in the 4-Bowl Pairs however with holders and two times national champions Sandra Steven and Kirsty McLelland of Uphall Station making a sensational 19-11 exit to Methil.The Carrick Knowe banner adanced with Janette Hush and Dianne McEwan making a blitz start to lead 18-4 then trading on the cusuion to beat Dunning, 26-15.No such joy though for Summerside with Margaret Hume and Jackie Alvin slipping from 8-10 to make a 21-13 exit to Newmains.Two round were played in the Triples and Hillside won both with Evelyn Lockwood Sheila Wallace and Betty Chisholm beating Linthouse then Braid.The match sister city club Braid saw Hillside lead Isabel Graham Kay Ellis and Jane Meikle, 10-0 and 18-6.Willowbrae chaalked up a spectacular win in the Fours with Grace McGregor skipping Margaret Moffat Dorothy Cunningham and Ann Skirving to a 24-3 win over Headwell.But carrick Knowe tumbled out with Irene McLeod Liz Aitken Margaret Paton and Molly Cairncross collapsing from 6-7 to 25-11 defeat from Deans. Willowbrae celebrated a first round double with their Senior Four of Anne Barclay Helen Shaw Evelyn Campbell and Jean Denholm including a 6 in a commanding 23-6 win over Blackhill.There was late afternoon cheer for the Edinburgh support in the 2-Bowl Pairs with wins for both Craigentinny and Colinton. Craigentinny's Margaret Caldwell and Mairie Monteith stretching from 4-3 to 14-4 and beating alloa, 17-11.And Colinton duo Sheila Hill and Ann Matthew converting a 15-5 lead into a 22-14 win over Nairn.Blackburn had a good two out of three day with Carole Clarkson and Agnes Mackay getting thri=ough in the 4-Bowl Pairs and Dekia Flannigan Cathy Machnik and Angie Uttley winning twice in the Triples. But Mary Dunn and Sheena Elder lost in the 2-Bowl Pairs.The Lothian challenge aalso saw Port Seton win in the 4-Bowl Pairs also Uphall Station in the Senior Fours and Esmill in the 2-Bowl Pairs.(31/7/9)
The Edinburgh and Leith challenge for the blue riband Singles title of the Scottish Bowling Championships got off to the perfect start with Robert Marshall and Scott Mackintosh both producing strong winning performances on day one at Ayr Northfield yesterday. Whilst play in the Junior Singles saw Pilrig ace Chris Steven get off to a spectacular start but sadly for Russell Wilson of Juniper Green the District 12 champion fell, 21-14, at the first hurdle. Sighthill and Tanfield both progressed to Friday’s second round of the Pairs but there is no such joy for Gorgie Mills or Craigentinny in the Triples whilst Slateford survived in the Fours but Hillside didn’t. Wardie carried the District 11 banner forward in the Seniors Fours but their District 12 counterparts Carrick Knowe failed to join them.
SBA officials, somewhat nervous of the first ever experiment of a joint championship with the ladies, reported one of the largest opening day crowds on record and were further enthused that the weather was also much better than predicted. The Singles at 9-30am launched the extended timescale of the championships, now Wednesday to Sunday instead of Thursday to Saturday, and Marshall was soon warming up the strong Edinburgh support. The 45-year old Slateford king-pin played himself in cautiously to stand 8-7 up after 11-ends against Roy Sutherland of Abernethy then thrilled the crowd with a 2, 4 acceleration to 14 and trade d on the cushion to triumph 21-14 in 21-ends. Mackintosh of London Road Foundry played the same session and the 38-year old found himself 9-7 adrift to Martin Watters of Shawlands after 10-ends but raised the temperature with a sizzling run of 1, 2, 1, 2, (1), 2 to cross 15-10. Watters menaced with a 2, 1, 1, to 14 but Mackintosh kept him at bay with a run of 1, 2, 3 that sent him packing. Chris Steven is no rookie in the junior singles grade having reached the semi final stage in 2007 but will we to old next year so the 25-year old will hope to build on his promising 21-2 win over the luckless Liam Bell of Glencarse. Tanfield duo Alex Thompson and Graeme McIntosh went 6-0 down to Brian Bird and Raymond Frame of Castlepark then engaged in a ding-dong battle that eventually saw them add 3, 1 to snatch a 14-14 peel before winning an extra-end thriller. Sighthill’s Allan Scott and Alan Trotter blazed a 9-2 trail against Clarkston and were never really troubled in a 17-10 victory. Craigentinny trio Grant McLaren Kevin Hunter and Andrew Jeffrey had a strong shine to them but failed to make space against Bellshill & Mossend and after a nail-biting battle made an 11-10 exit at an extra-end decider. Gorgie Mills faced Port Seton and another cracking encounter saw John Forsyth Archie Priestley and Kevin Jamieson blow a 9-2 lead to be piped 16-15 by the Garden County trio Steven Thomson Craig Valentine and Steven Morgan. Andrew Ramsay was part of the Slateford rink that won the Scottish then British Isles titles in 1986 and he is back on that trail skipping Paul Headley Mike Wilson and Mike Rae to a 16-12 win over Meikleriggs. But their District 11 counterparts, Keith Gallacher Brian Irving Graeme Laidlaw and Kevin Moncur of Hillside faced the holders and crashed to 26-10 defeat from Gourock Park. The Wardie Seniors rink of Jack Jeromson Ally Doull Jim Wilkins and Stan McBain beat Fraser Park (Inverness) 14-11 but the Carrick Knowe rink skipped by Ian Combe lost 14-12 to Dalmuir.
The Lothian challenge in the national bowling championships at Ayr Northfield saw Jim Pringle of Aberlady open with a good 21-13 win over Hugh Montgomerie of West Kilbride having stretched from 8-8 to 15-9. But new cap Thomas Mann of Newbridge made an agonising 21-20 exit to Gary Mortimer of Causewayhead having failed by a whisker to count a double when converting a head at 19-19. Mann counted a single to 20 then gave the jack away to his opponent who immediately cast a full length jack and counted a winning double as the West Lothian champion fell short with all four deliveries. Douglas Russell of Polton never found his highest gear and made a 21-11 exit to Alan Bradley of Grosvenor. Derek Oliver of Port Seton opened his bid for the junior singles tile with a 21-14 win over Calum Crawford of Newbattle and was joined in the second round by Cameron Greer of Bathgate who beat Mark Wilson of St Rollox 21-10. A highlight from the Pairs saw the fancied partnership of Jim Gibson and Craig Hodge from Loanhead MW slip from 12-8 up to a 16-15 defeat from Lockerbie but Davy Ross and Sandy McDougall of Glenmavis (Bathgate|) beat Strathmiglo, 15-12. Dalkeith marched on in the Triples with a 19-11 win over Newhills and Whitburn progressed at the 19-5 expense of Castlehill. Play in the Fours saw Bilston MW beat Queens Park 17-11 and Tranent beat Eastfield 19-7 but Uphall Station lost 18-11 to Gordon of Border. West Barns beat Linlithgow 15-10 in the Seniors Fours while Dalkeith accounted 14-12 for Dunoon Argyll.(Stewart Meikle 30/7/9)
West End caused a major upset in last nights second round action of the Edinburgh Top Ten Championship with a giant killing act that axed defending champions Carrick Knowe on shot margin after a 4-4 share of the points. “I don’t think we can believe it but we are celebrating like its true”, said a spokesman for West End while Colin Mitchell of Carrick Knowe said “We are shell shocked and can’t believe we are out”. Mitchell did his bit for the holders the former Scotland captain delivering a 21-12 home win over Donny Gilbertson in the Singles having made a blitz start to lead 11-0 then confirming his superiority from 15-7 with a 3, 1 to 19. In fact all went to plan for Carrick Knowe on their home leg with Alan Poole skipping Kevin Tennant Craig Aitken and Graham Pringle to a 22-13 win over Keith Gellaitry Peter Grib Ian Farquharson and Robert Trainer in the Fours. West End would have expected a tough time of it on their home leg but the opposite was true as Graham Hockaday and Murray Baillie winged their way to a spectacular 28-8 win over John Mitchell and Darren Hush in the Pairs. The scores was 8-8 after 10-ends but the West End duo became jet propelled and reached great heights as they powered home with counts of 2, 4, 5, 5, 2, 1, 1. Duncan McLaren had charge of the West End triple and he faced great pressure at 11-11 after 12-ends but tipped the scales of match victory by skipping Ray Dorans and Neil McRae to a 1, 2, 4 finish and 18-11 win.
Slateford were in fine form to score a battling 6-2 win over Pilrig and their main driving force was spearhead figure Robert Marshall who is mustard at home and proved too hot on this occasion for David Poole. Marshall broke from 7-7 to 13-7 with a run of 2, 1, 1, 2 and also had Poole in his 17-8 grip before the visitor showed typical fight by closing to 20-16. Scott Brunton blazed a 10-2 trail in the Fours then when pressured at 13-10, after losing a 6, he kicked on to skip Michael Fraser Louis Beaton and John Ramsay to an 18-11 win that gave Slateford full points at home. The form book suggested Pilrig would do much better at home but their strong Pairs partnership of Gavin Smith and Darren McKenny failed to cash in on a 13-8 lead and had to settle for a meagre 14-13 win over a bold Rab Stewart and Gordon Ramsay. Slateford clinch a clear result when Andrew Ramsay skipped Dougie Martin and Ronnie Ramsay to an 11-10 win having trailed 10-2 at one stage against Darren McCardle Steven Stewart and Scott Rogers.
Elsewhere recent champions Sighthill scored a good 6-2 win over Bainfield and Tanfield crushed Goldenacre 8-0 while Wardie surprised Gorgie Mills 5-3. Close fought affairs decided on shot margin saw Northern defeat Corstorphine and Dudley beat Parkside. Queensberry 6 and Craigentinny 2.
Linlithgow were the shock-troops in last nights second round of the West Lothian Top Ten as they cashed in on home advantage to triumph 6-2 and end the reign of defending champions Bathgate. Winchburgh (Newbridge), Buchan Park (Bridgeness), Kirkliston (Bo’ness), Harthill (Seafield), Broxburn (Stoneyburn), West Calder (Harrysmuir), and Queensferry (Bellsburn), also progressed.
Northern have reached the quarterfinals stage of the E&L Top Five Singles Championship for the Ian McFarlane Trophy having proved too hot for Currie in a 3-1 home win. Yet Currie drew first blood and in amazing style as Dean Fleming crushed the luckless Hughie Hilson 21-0 in just 12-ends however Stan Christie squared the match with a 21-9 win over Graham Fergus. George Prentice then put Northern 2-1 up with a 21-17 win over Allan Buchan then Gordon Wilson clinched the match at the expense of Neil Fisher.
Bainfield are also through to the last eight following a dramatic 3-1 home win over Slateford on Monday night. Paul O’Donnell opened the scoring with a 21-12 win over John Ramsay then Paul Millar put Bainfield 2-0 up at the 21-18 expense of Scott Brunton but Robert Marshall beat Adam Brock 21-10 to make it 2-1. The odds now favoured Slaeford with the Ramsay brothers in the driving seat, Andrew having led 15-6 and Gordon 16-11, however Brian Stoddart emerged the hero figure for Bainfield with a tremendous fight back to beat Andrew 21-19.
Craigentinny are etching a new name on their Championship board after the success of Gary Nisbet who blazed a 13-2 trail before going on to score a 21-8 win over 16-year old budding star Daniel Gormley in the final.
The semi final action in the Wardie championship saw Stan McBain weather a late storm from 18-12 to 18-17 by reeling off a hat trick of singles to beat Jacky Steele, 21-17. John Duncan will provide the opposition in the final on Friday August 7 having been against the collar all the way before edging a 21-20 thriller over Chris Peace in 24-ends. Peace led 14-8 and 18-12 then held title shot at 20-19 but was denied by a brilliant last bowl neat trail that yielded 2 shots to Duncan.(Stewart Meikle 29/7/9)
EDINBURGH TOP TEN BOWLING TOURNAMENT, 2009
RESULTS OF SECOND ROUND TIES PLAYED ON TUESDAY 28th JULY
SLATEFORD 6 PILRIG 2
CARRICK KNOWE 4 WEST END 4 (West End won on shots)
BAINFIELD 2 SIGHTHILL 6
GOLDENACRE 0 TANFIELD 8
CRAIGENTINNY 2 QUEENSBERRY 6
GORGIE MILLS 3 WARDIE 5
CORSTORPHINE 4 NORTHERN 4 (Northern won on shots)
DUDLEY 4 PARKSIDE 4 (Dudley won on shots)
(Mike
Wilczynski 28/7/9)
EDINBURGH TOP TEN BOWLING TOURNAMENT, 2009
LATE FIRST ROUND TIE RESULT
SIGHTHILL 6 LEITH 2
Slateford king pin Robert Marshall competes for the ‘blue riband’ Singles title when the 45-year old heads up the Edinburgh District 12 challenge in the national bowling championships that swing into action at the Ayr Northfield complex tomorrow. Marshall is one of the major figures on the Capital City’s bowling scene and being popular with it will carry a huge support across the spectrum in his bid to become Edinburgh’s first Scottish Singles Champion since the success of Graeme Archer back in 1995. He is the District 12 singles champion for a sixth time and could be described an expert of the discipline having won his club title at Slateford a record 15 times and reigned on three occasions as winner of the Edinburgh & Leith Tait Trophy. The impressive Marshall CV includes an ongoing 13 international series for Scotland and of course away back in 1986 he captured the headlines by skipping his Slateford rink to title success in both the Scottish and British Isles championships. “I guess I have failed to deliver for one reason or another on five previous occasions in the Singles but I am glad to get another opportunity and will be concentrating hard to make it sixth time lucky”, summed up Marshall speaking to the News last night. The Slateford supremo comes into tomorrow on the back of a stiff preparation having competed in the Bainfield Masters at the weekend then played against Bainfield in the Top Five Singles last night and lining up against Pilrig in the Top Ten tonight. And he has a 9-30am start at Ayr so will be motoring through early morning to tackle Roy Sutherland of Abernethy, the champion of Perthshire. Edinburgh is also well represented by the District 11 champion Scott Mackintosh of London Road Foundry who has a low profile outside the capital but has reached two Tait Trophy finals and the 38-year old is no back number in the chase for the title. Mackintosh – a 10 times champion of LRF- also has a 9-30am start tomorrow and opens against Martin Watters of Glasgow Shawlands. The challenge from East Lothian in the Singles is in the capable hands of Aberlady ace Jim Pringle who is no stranger to Ayr but the former star of the Gorgie Mills club in Edinburgh prefers a faster running surface than Ayr normally provides. JP takes to the green on the 11-30am session and tackles Hugh Montgomerie of West Kilbride. West Lothian is represented by new cap Thomas Mann of Newbridge who manages a leisure facility in the capital so shouldn’t lack for fitness or sharpness when he lines up at 9-30am against Gary Mortimer of Stirling West club Causewayhead. Midlothian challenger Douglas Russell of Polton is a seasoned campaigner unlikey to be overawed by the occasion and he gets his first chance to shine against Alan Bradley of Greenock club Grosvenor at 11-30am. The championships includes the women’s event for the first time and play continues till Sunday and also embraces Junior Singles, Pairs Triples, Fours, and Seniors Fours.(Stewart Meikle 28/7/9)
No5 seed Grant Logan extended Kirkliston’s stranglehold on the £1000 West Lothian Masters title to a super six in a row after reeling off a hat trick of wins in yesterday’s final days play of the £5000 event sponsored by the White Knights of the WLBA and played at Bo’ness. Wins over fellow seeds Ewan Shearer (No4) and John Aitken (No1) then Brian Edwards of Broxburn saw 33-year old Logan don the signature Green Jacket for a second time having emulated his Masters success of 2005. “I believe this event is the best there is in Scotland as the field is big strong and relentlessly testing and competitive so to win the title for a second time just thrills me to bits” said Logan. Logan first emerged on the West Lothian scene as the 17-year old winner of the Champion of Champions title in 1993 and the grandson of the late great Rennie Logan has gone on to play six junior international series and currently seven in a row at senior level. Overnight rain meant that the full sized Bo’ness green played heavy on the 11am quarterfinals session but Logan was undaunted as he took on fellow cap Ewan Shearer and beat the 10 times host club champion 21-7 in just 15-ends. Local hopes were high that 36-year old Shearer would repeat his 2001 title success in the Masters but Logan gave that idea extremely short shift as he blazed an opening trail of 2, 3, 1, 1, (2), 3, 3, 1 to lead 14-2. If Logan’s run was to continue then his next task, in the semis, was again immense in the shape of another fellow cap and this time clubmate in the shape of No1 seed John Aitken who was attempting back-to-back titles and a record extending fourth success. The crowded banking gaped at yet another whirlwind start as Logan stormed into a 10-1 lead but then marvelled as Aitken fought tooth and nail to close the score to 10-9. Logan’s greater consistency however emerged in the shape of a space-making run of 2, 1, 2 to 15 then he kept Aitken firmly in his grip to win 21-11 in 21-ends. Meanwhile Brian Edwards of Broxburn, a former Hockey Internationalist, had inflicted some heavy punishment on Brian Saunders of Bathgate to win their quarterfinal 21-17 having carded one 4 and three 3’s. Edwards, the reigning champion of Broxburn, then picked up the pace from 7-7 in the semi finals to race to 21 and so end the hopes of promising 18-year old Andrew Semple of Oakbank. The final was played in sunshine and Logan again showed the early sparkle to open up a 7-0 lead after three ends then led 9-5 before Edwards boosted his own confidence with a magic 3 to 8. Logan then entertained the crowd with an exciting ‘chap and lie’ conversion for 3 and added a fourth to smartly move 13-8 ahead after 10-ends. Three ends later Logan held a close clustered 3 for an 18-9 lead but they didn’t reach the card as Edwards produced a massive drawn bowl that killed the lot for a single to 15-10. Logan moved to 16 with an almost back-jack toucher then produced a last bowl squeeze on the jack at the next for a 2 shot reward to 18-10. Edwards remained on the back foot but added to the drama of the final with one strike that burnt the jack to save the game and another that yielded a single when faced with game against on the replay. Logan eventually ditched the jack for a single to 19-12 but was made to work hard for a 2-2 share of the next four singles to clinch a 21-14 victory in 22-ends. WLM Results. Q//F J Aitken (Kirkliston) 21 G Sneddon (Broxburn) 18; G Logan (Kirkliston) 21 E Shearer (Bo’ness) 7; B Edwards (Broxburn) 21 B Saunders (Bathgate) 17; A Semple (Oakbank) 21 W McDougall (Glenmavis) 12. S/F G Logan 21 J Aitken 11; B Edwards 21 A Semple 7. Final G Logan 21 B Edwards 14.(Stewart Meikle 27/7/9)
EDINBURGH TOP TEN
BOWLING TOURNAMENT, 2009
FIRST ROUND TIES UPDATE
SLATEFORD 4 WILLOWBRAE 4 (Slateford won on shots)
TANFIELD 6 SEAFIELD 2
CRAIGENTINNY beat WHITEHOUSE & GRANGE
GORGIE MILLS 8 PORTOBELLO 0
SUMMERSIDE 1 DUDLEY 7
No information to hand re. CURRIE v BAINFIELD (finished Thursday,
apparently) and SIGHTHILL v LEITH (date for completion not known on
22/07/09).
Four of the sixteen seeds have survived through to the final days play of the White Knights sponsored £4000 West Lothian Masters at Bo’ness BC tomorrow but they all feature in the same half of the draw so one non-seed will contest the final. The elite challengers for the £1000 title and signature Green Jacket of the Master are Ewan Shearer (4), Grant Logan (5), George Sneddon (8) and John Aitken the holder and No1 seed. Aitken clashes with Sneddon and Shearer, on home territory, with Logan while those attempting to upset the apple cart are Brian Saunders (Bathgate) v Brian Edwards (Broxburn) and Andrew Semple Jnr (Oakbank) v Walter McDougall (Glenmavis). The quarterfinals take place at 11am with the semi finals at 1-30pm and the final scheduled for a 4pm start. ‘The last day of the Masters’ will also feature the induction of 75-year old Ratho personality John Thorburn into the WLBA Hall of Fame following in the footsteps of Rennie Logan, John McKeon, Mel Muirhead, Stewart Meikle, Jim Quinn, and John Harper. Last nights section finals at Broxburn saw John Aitken’s bid to become the first ‘back to back’ Master given another severe test with ‘Big John’ in a ding-dong battle with Colin McConaghy of Glenmavis that lasted 25-ends. Aitken did go 17-13 up from peels at 12 but McConaghy came again to lead 19-18 before the 54-year old record three times Master clinched victory with a 2, 1 finish. Grant Logan’s tie against Davy Ross of Glenmavis turned into a 14-end romp as the 33- year old from Kirkliston blazed a 13-1 trail and converted into a 21-6 victory. Andrew Semple continued to shoot for the stars with the 18-year old from Oakbank racing into an 8-1 lead and always dictating the pace, although pressured at 12-10, to beat Raymond Reid of Queensferry, 21-16 in 24-ends. Brian Edwards faced club mate Tommy Turnbull on their own green and they served up a 21-end treat with Edwards wiping out a 7-1 deficit to cross 14-9 then battling on from peels at 14 to win 21-16. The section finals at Whitburn saw Ewan Shearer make a confident start to lead Richard Mark of Deans 11-4 but the 36-year old seed was tested at 12-10 before going on to win 21-13 in 25-ends. George Sneddon produced a dominant display to lead 8-2 then 17-6 and beat Gerry Duggan of Bathgate 21-8 in 18-ends while btter news for Glenmvais saw Walter McDougall crush Gary Grant of Queensferry, 21-4 in 15-ends. The match of the night saw Brian Saunders under pressure at 20-19 down to Billy Irvine of Buchan Park but card a double to win a 21-20 thriller in 20-ends.
Willie Wood MBE is the holder and No1 seed when Bainfield stage their second Masters event this weekend and other seeds in the field include Robert Marshall, Jamie Gracie, Mal Higgenbotham, Davy Ross, Alan Brown, and Paul O’Donnell.
Section 1
Section Decider 24 July 2009 7:00pm
J Aitken (S1) Kirkliston 21 v 19 C McConaghy Glenmavis
Section 2
Section Decider 24 July 2009 7:00pm
G Sneddon (S8) Broxburn 21 v 8 Duggan Bathgate
Section 3
Section Decider 24 July 2009 7:00pm
G Logan(S5) Kirkliston 21 v 6 D Ross Glenmavis
Section 4
Section Decider 24 July 2009 7:00pm
E Shearer (S4) Bo'ness 21 v 13 R Mark Deans
Section 5
Section Decider 24 July 2009 7:00pm
B Irvine Buchan Park 20 v 21 B Saunders Bathgate
Section 6
Section Decider 24 July 2009 7:00pm
B Edwards Broxburn 21 v 16 T Turnbull Broxburn
Section 7
Section Decider 24 July 2009 7:00pm
A Semple(Jun.) Oakbank 21 v 16 R Reid Queensferry
Section 8
Section Decider 24 July 2009 7:00pm
W McDougall Glenmavis 21 v 4 G Grant Queensferry(Stewart
Meikle 25/7/9)
Bainfield Masters Sponsored by Brian Dickson is being played this weekend the current holder W.W.Wood M.B.E. all spectators welcome snacks will be available on both day's. Play begins at 10 am Sat25th /Sun 26th July.
Last night's results
Section 1
Round 4 Thursday 23 July 2009 7:00pm
John Aitken (S1) Kirkliston 21 v 16 G Hill Ratho
C McConaghy Glenmavis 21 v 7 R Wilson Philpstoun
Section 2
Round 4 Thursday 23 July 2009 7:00pm
G Sneddon (S8) Broxburn 21 v 18 C Yeaman Bellsburn
M Finlayson Bankton Mains14 v 21 G Duggan Bathgate
Section 3
Round 4 Thursday 23 July 2009 7:00pm
G Logan(S5) Kirkliston 21 v 2 C Cruickshanks Pumpherston
D Ross Glenmavis 21 v 15 A Deacon Spring Grove
Section 4
Round 4 Thursday 23 July 2009 7:00pm
E Shearer (S4) Bo'ness 21 v 20 P Sweeney Newbridge
R Mark Deans 21 v 17 D Pegg Newbridge
Section 5
Round 4 Thursday 23 July 2009 7:00pm
A Dunnett (S3) Queensferry 13 v 21 B Irvine Buchan Park
B Saunders Bathgate 21 v 16 G Munro Middletonhall
Section 6
Round 4 Thursday 23 July 2009 7:00pm
G Borland Oakbank 6 v 21 B Edwards Broxburn
T Turnbull Broxburn 21 v 9 J Robertson Seafield
Section 7
Round 4 Thursday 23 July 2009 7:00pm
A Semple (Jun.) Oakbank 21 v 18 J Davidson Kirkliston
J Greenock Newbridge 10 v 21 R Reid Queensferry
Section 8
Round 4 Thursday 23 July 2009 7:00pm
A Bryce Whitburn 18 v 21 W McDougall Glenmavis
G Grant Queensferry 21 v 12 S King Queensferry
Andrew Dunnett done it in 1999 and 2007 but the 35-year old No3 seed from Queensferry won’t be doing it in 2009 as he crashed to a surprise defeat in last nights 4th round of the White Knights sponsored West Lothian Masters. Dunnett is always good value in the Masters and looked set for another menacing run after reeling off a hat trick of wins but he was never on top of his game at Armadale last night and made a rather tame 21-13 exit in 24-ends to Billy Irvine of Buchan Park. Irvine is a competitive type and immediately threw down the gauntlet with a whirlwind start to lead 7-1 then signalled the prospect of an upset by stretching his command of the situation to 14-5. Dunnett did rally to 12 with a run of 2, 1, 2, 2, but Irvine answered that growing menace with a storming finish of 1, 2, (1), 1, 1, 2. Whilst Dunnett was the only seed to fall there was one almighty fright for Ewan Shearer of Bo’ness at Bellsburn with the 36-year old No4 blowing cold, hot, cold, hot in a spectacular escape to a 21-20 victory over Paul Sweeney of Newbridge. Sweeney made a bright start to lead 8-1 but Shearer found a bit of form to hit back and cross 9-8 however the next seven ends were dominated by an opponent whose run of 1, 1, 2, 3, 2, 1, 2 swept him to the brink of victory at 20-9. Shearer needed a miracle to win and the 2001 Master produced it in the shape of an amazing fight back of 1, 3, 3, 3, 2 to win in 23-ends. Holder John Aitken was also involved in a major drama at Queensferry where he was always engaged in a ding-dong battle with Gordon Hill of Ratho but looked like his reign was over when Hill added 1, 2, 2, to lead 16-13. ‘Big John’ is a canny customer however who can react positively to pressure as demonstrated by his powerful run of 2, 1, 2, 3 to 21. Grant Logan the 33-year old No5 seed and 2005 Master joined his Kirkliston club mate in the fifth round in contrasting circumstances as he raced to a 21-2 win against the luckless Colin Cruckshanks of Pumpherston at Bellsburn. George Sneddon the 59-year old No8 seed from Broxburn was given a hard test by Craig Yeaman of Bellsburn at Armadale and was under immense pressure at 18-16 down before hitting the 21 mark with a 2, 2, 1 finish. Tanfield champion Graham Munro, also a member at Middleton Hall, saw his West Lothian campaign terminated by a 21-16 defeat from Brian Saunders at Armadale having always being in the frame but bowing out to a 2, 1 finish from his Bathgate opponent. Teenager Andrew Semple of Oakbank conjured up a magic 3, 1 finish to beat Jim Davidson of Kirkliston 21-18 at Kirkliston while a clash of club mates on their own green at Queensferry saw Gary Grant beat Steven King 21-12.
Tonight’s fifth round (section finals) venues (7pm) are Broxburn and Whitburn. And the line up reads, J Aitken v C McConaghy (B); G Sneddon v G Duggan (W); G Logan v D Ross (B)’ E Shearer v R Mark (W), B Irvine v B Saunders (W); B Edwards v T Turnbull (B); A Semple v R Reid (B); W McDougall v G Grant (W).
West End challenger Murray Baillie had an anxious wait from 20-9 up before clinching a 21-17 victory over a strong finishing Tom Kivlin of Postal in last nights 1st round proper of the Edinburgh Bowling League Singles at Lutton Place. George Johnston of Brunstane was nip and tuck with Ian Laing of Braid at Whitehouse & Grange but produced a 3, 2 finish to triumph 21-15 in 22 ends. Peter Grantham of Niddrie made telling space to lead Frank Clements of Trinity 15-8 at Pilrig and traded on the cushion to win 21-11 in 19-ends. John Shields of Craigentinny exploded from 9-10 to 20-10 before clinching a 21-14 victory in 18-ends over Gary Taylor of Tramways at Hillside. Mark Hogg of Goldenacre added a run of 4, 1, 2, 1 ,1 to lead 18-4 and went on to beat Jim Fisher of Mayfield 21-11 in 19-ends at Leith. Two highlights from the Junior Singles saw Gavin Rogers of Pilrig and Ross Thomson of Mayfield edge 21-18 wins over Ian Duncan (Craigentinny) and Glen Walker (Willowbrae) respectively.
The semi final action in the Lutton Place championship last night saw holder Gordon Plenderleith beat John Johnstone 21-19 and Robert Weir beat Andy Heatlie 21-11.( Stewart Meikle 24/7/9)
RESULTS OF FIRST ROUND
TIES PLAYED ON TUESDAY 22nd JULY
SLATEFORD v WILLOWBRAE (tie unfinished - to be completed)
PILRIG 6 HILLSIDE 2
CARRICK KNOWE 6 BLACKHALL 2
DEAN 4 WEST END 4 (West End won on countback to Singles - shots
equal)
CURRIE v BAINFIELD (tie unfinished - to be completed)
SIGHTHILL v LEITH (tie unfinished - to be completed)
GOLDENACRE 4 BEECHWOOD 4 (Goldenacre won on shots)
TANFIELD SEAFIELD
CRAIGENTINNY WHITEHOUSE & GRANGE
QUEENSBERRY 6 ARDMILLAN 2
GORGIE MILLS beat PORTOBELLO
TIPPERLINN 0 WARDIE 8
STENHOUSE COMMUNITY 2 CORSTORPHINE 6
CALEDONIAN 2 NORTHERN 6
SUMMERSIDE lost to DUDLEY
MAITLAND 2 PARKSIDE 6
Section 1
Round 3 Wednesday 22 July 2009 7:00pm
John Aitken (S1) Kirkliston 21 v 11 F Barker Oakbank
G Hill Ratho 21 v 19 M Graham Queensferry
C McConaghy Glenmavis 21 v 13 S Mushet Philpstoun
R Wilson Philpstoun 21 v 16 G King Bankton Mains
Section 2
Round 3 Wednesday 22 July 2009 7:00pm
G Sneddon (S8) Broxburn 21 v 17 S Sweeney Newbridge
C Yeaman Bellsburn 21 v 12 S Pettigrew Buchan Park
T Whitfield Glenmavis 16 v 21 G Duggan Bathgate
M Finlayson Bankton Mains 21 v 8 D Pearce Kirkliston
Section 3
Round 3 Wednesday 22 July 2009 7:00pm
G Logan(S5) Kirkliston 21 v 12 D Forrest Glenmavis
A Brown Queensferry 14 v 21 C Cruickshanks Pumpherston
D Ross Glenmavis 21 v 10 E Christie Bankton Mains
S Murphy Bathgate 14 v 21 A Deacon Spring Grove
Section 4
Round 3 Wednesday 22 July 2009 7:00pm
E Shearer (S4) Bo'ness 21 v 7 N McGillivray Oakbank
P Sweeney Newbridge 21 v 13 G Porteous Philpstoun
M Campbell Ratho 7 v 21 R Mark Deans
J Paterson Harrysmuir 9 v 21 D Pegg Newbridge
Section 5
Round 3 Wednesday 22 July 2009 7:00pm
A Dunnett (S3) Queensferry 21 v 13 M McGhie Armadale
B Irvine Buchan Park 21 v 10 E Ritchie Pumpherston
B Saunders Bathgate 21 v 8 S Forrest Kirkliston
G Munro Middletonhall 21 v 14 R Martin Bellsburn
Section 6
Round 3 Wednesday 22 July 2009 7:00pm
B Cooper (S6) Bathgate 9 v 21 G Borland Oakbank
B Edwards Broxburn 21 v 16 L Dowling Ratho
M Nelson Broxburn 19 v 21 T Turnbull Broxburn
J Farrer Spring Grove 13 v 21 J Robertson Seafield
Section 7
Round 3 Wednesday 22 July 2009 7:00pm
A Semple(Jun.) Oakbank 21 v 4 D P Frew Bridgeness
A Jenkins Glenmavis 17 v 21 J Davidson Kirkliston
J Greenock Newbridge 21 v 20 F Muirhead Uphall Station
J Smith Philpstoun 16 v 21 R Reid Queensferry
Section 8
Round 3 Wednesday 22 July 2009 7:00pm
M Campbell Bankton Mains 14 v 21 A Bryce Whitburn
W McDougall Glenmavis 21 v 3 B O'Hanlon Winchburgh
G Grant Queensferry 21 v 11 N Speirs (S2) Kirkliston
S King Queensferry 12 v 3 A Salvona Seafield
Holder and No1 seed John Aitken of Kirkliston continues his march towards a fourth title success in the £4000 West Lothian Masters event sponsored by the brigade of White Knights but last nights’ third round claimed his club mate and chief rival Neil Speirs as a victim. Speirs is always the ‘man to beat’ in West Lothian events as the 30-year old is in the prime of his career and has a crowded CV that includes the World Cup Singles title (2006), the Scottish Junior Singles (2003), the Champion of Champions (2006), the Junior Open (2002), the County Singles (2003) and the Masters title of 2002. The major shock of the round saw Speirs suffer a crushing 21-11 defeat at the hands of Queensferry challenger Gary Grant at Buchan Park and the writing came on the wall for the No2 seed after a purple patch spell saw the underdog stretch from 10-6 to 18-6. Last years losing finalist Bryan Cooper also came a cropper with the 27-year old No6 seed from Bathgate soon down 8-0 at Bridgeness and never quite getting to grips in a heavy 21-9 defeat from G Borland of Oakbank. A third formbook upset brought about the demise of No10 seed Frazer Muirhead but the now 47-year old former British and Scottish singles champion (1981) put up the boldest of shows before edged out 21-20 by James Greenock of Newbridge. Muirhead completed a 21-19 win over G Turnbull of Armadale at Kinneil then made a strong start to lead Greenock 15-9 but faltered to be crossed 17-15. He then led 18-17 and 20-19 but Greenock hit 21 with a double on the 24th end. Meanwhile Aitken completed a win over Sam Gray of Bellsburn at Winchburgh then kept up a strong head of steam to lead Frank Barker of Oakbank 15-3 before converting into a 21-11 victory. Andrew Dunnett the No 3 seed from Queensferry and twice winner of the title was being well held at 13-12 to M McGhie of Armadale at Glenmavis but the 35-year old stormed to victory with a 1, 1, 1, 2, 1, 3 finish. Capital bowlers will be interested in the progress of Tanfield champion Graham Munro who retains a membership in West Lothian and is still chasing the Green Jacket following a 21-14 win over Ronnie Martin of Bellsburn. A strong programme at Glenmavis saw Brian Saunders of Bathgate score an excellent 21-8 win over recent Junior Open champion Steven Forrest of Kirkliston. Ewan Shearer the 36-year old No4 seed from Bo’ness and 2001 Master progressed at the 21-7 expense of Neil McGillivray of Oakbank at Bathgate where Richard Mark of Deans beat M Campbell of Ratho 21-7. Grant Logan the 33-year old No5 seed and 2005 Master from Kirkliston made strong headway from 6-2 to 17-2 and triumphed 21-12 over former Edinburgh Open Champion (2004) Davy Forrest of Glenmavis at Deans. George Sneddon the 59-year old No8 seed from Broxburn stormed into a 10-0 lead over Stuart Sweeney of Newbridge at Pumpherston but came under pressure at 20-17 before completing the task in 26-ends. The venues for tonight’s fourth round (7pm) are Queensferry, Armadale, Bellsburn, and Kirkliston.
Craigentinny only fired on three of their four cylinders against Goldenacre in last nights Division 1 of the Alpha Trophies sponsored Edinburgh Bowling League but their 7-2 home win preserves their status as ‘champions in waiting’ Chief rivals Parkside could only match that 7-2 result at home to relegation zoned Dudley so remain 11 points adrift with just two fixtures to be fulfilled. Defending champions Pilrig may still be suffering from their Edinburgh Cup blues and will be unhappy with a scrappy 5-4 home win over relegation stricken Queensberry that leaves them almost 20 points off the pace. Tanfield will be hot favourites to land the Edinburgh Cup but the league form of the record six times champions continues to be woeful as reflected by a 7-2 home defeat from Hillside. Kevin McFarlane was the ‘talk of the Craigentinny clubhouse’ as he picked up from 14-11 down to skip Paul Robertson Gary Nisbet and Kevin Hunter to a 25-14 win with a storming 6, 3, 5 finish against Nicky Brown. Willie McDonald was also in a spot of bother at 11-11 after 12-ends but led 15-12 then added 1, 1, 2 to skip Grant McLaren Stuart Betts and Andrew Caldwell to a 19-12 win over Colin Hutchison. Ian Paterson came late with a run of 1, 1, 2, 2 to lead 17-11 and skipped Craig McCall John Shields and David Brown to a 19-12 success over Jim Hutchison. Willie King broke the Goldenacre duck when breaking from 10-8 down to skip Neil Carr Alan Head and Gavin Barclay to a 17-11 win over Andy Jeffrey. Wins for the rinks skipped by Gary Muir, Kevin Moncur, and Kyle Newall earned a jubilant Hillside a rare away win over league giants Tanfield. Muir lead the charge by skipping Keith Anderson Jimmy Gaylor and John Newall to a 2-13 win over Alex Thompson, and Moncur came good at the 15-9 expense of Mal Higgenbotham. Newall looked like his goose was cooked at 14-8 down to Stuart Campbell but fought back to win 17-15.(Stewart Meikle 23/7/9)
Results from last nights
play
Section 1
Round 2 Tuesday 21 July 2009 7:00pm
John Aitken (S1) Kirkliston TBC v S Gray Bellsburn
K McConnell Armadale TBC v F Barker Oakbank
A Patterson Broxburn TBC v K Black East Calder
J Mallon Broxburn 10 v 21 M Graham Queensferry
C McConaghy Glenmavis 21 v 2 L Gemmell Winchburgh
S Mushet Philpstoun 21 v 19 S McDougall (S16) Glenmavis
P Wedlock Whitburn WD v WO R Wilson Philpstoun
G Charleston Linlithgow WD v WO G King Bankton Mains
WO = Walk Over, WD = With Drawn, TBC = To Be Completed @ Winchburgh
on 22
July @ 18:00
Section 2
Round 2 Tuesday 21 July 2009 7:00pm
G Sneddon (S8) Broxburn 21 v 14 R Cameron Uphall Station
S Sweeney Newbridge 21 v 15 R Millar East Calder
C Yeaman Bellsburn 21 v 12 D Kerr Armadale
S Johnston Deans 12 v 21 S Pettigrew Buchan Park
T Whitfield Glenmavis 21 v 4 D Russell Stoneyburn
G Duggan Bathgate TBC v J Cooper (Jun.) Whitburn
M Finlayson Bankton Mains TBC v I McFarlane Philpstoun
D Pearce Kirkliston WO v WD J Aitken Newbridge
WO = Walk Over, WD = With Drawn, TBC = To Be Completed @ Pumpherston
on 22
July @ 18:00
Section 3
Round 2 Tuesday 21 July 2009 7:00pm
G Logan(S5) Kirkliston 21 v 15 R Saunders Bathgate
D Forrest Glenmavis 21 v 16 A Ure Kinneil
J McLelland Harrysmuir 17 v 21 A Brown Queensferry
J Learmont Ratho 14 v 21 C Cruickshanks Pumpherston
D Ross Glenmavis 21 v 19 T Hamilton Philpstoun
E Christie* Bankton Mains 21 v 14 G Byrne Linlithgow
S Murphy Bathgate 21 v 13 A Paterson Harrysmuir
A Deacon Spring Grove WO v NS B Stewart Whitburn
WO = Walk Over, WD = With Drawn
Section 4
Round 2 Tuesday 21 July 2009 7:00pm
E Shearer (S4) Bo'ness 21 v 6 G Inglis Bridgeness
G Baldry East Calder 17 v 21 N McGillivray Oakbank
P Sweeney Newbridge 21 v 17 F Simpson Linlithgow
R MacKay Armadale 17 v 21 G Porteous Philpstoun
B McMahon Broxburn 19 v 21 M Campbell Ratho
R Mark Deans 21 v 11 M Allison (S13) Broxburn
R Walker Oakbank 13 v 21 J Paterson Harrysmuir
D Pegg Newbridge 21 v 1 L Robertson Bridgeness
Section 5
Round 2 Tuesday 21 July 2009 7:00pm
A Dunnett (S3) Queensferry 21 v 16 S Sneddon Armadale
M McGhie Armadale 21 v 10 B Holloran Pumpherston
J Thorburn Ratho 15 v 21 B Irvine Buchan Park
C Williams Whitburn 16 v 21 E Ritchie Pumpherston
B Saunders Bathgate 21 v 14 A Colligan Harthill
S McMaster (S14) Broxburn 17 v 21 S Forrest Kirkliston
G Munro Middletonhall 21 v 12 T Stanton (Jun.) Bankton Mains
R Martin Bellsburn WO v WD E Wilson Deans
Section 6
Round 2 Tuesday 21 July 2009 7:00pm
B Cooper (S6) Bathgate 21 v 6 F Weir Armadale
G Borland Oakbank 21 v 18 D Gilliland Bankton Mains
B Edwards Broxburn 21 v 20 A Russell Armadale
L Dowling Ratho 21 v 2 C Fraser Linlithgow
M Nelson Broxburn 21 v 7 G Turner Bo'ness
R Miller (S11) Middletonhall 3 v 21 T Turnbull Broxburn
J Farrer Spring Grove 21 v 20 C Ritchie Pumpherston
J Nelson Armadale 9 v 21 J Robertson Seafield
Section 7
Round 2 Tuesday 21 July 2009 7:00pm
G Archer (S7) Uphall Station 6 v 21 A Semple(Jun.) Oakbank
S Lamb Bellsburn 15 v 21 D P Frew Bridgeness
A Gray Kirkliston 21 v 12 A Jenkins Glenmavis
J Davidson Kirkliston TBC v I Thorburn Buchan Park
J Greenock Newbridge TBC v A Cavanagh Uphall Station
F Muirhead (S10) Uphall Station TBC v G Turnbull Armadale
J Wardle Uphall Station NS v WO J Smith Philpstoun
R Reid Queensferry TBC v D Angell Stoneyburn
WO = Walk Over, WD = With Drawn, TBC = To Be Completed @ Kinneil on
22
July @ 18:00
Section 8
Round 2 Tuesday 21 July 2009 7:00pm
C Logan (S15) Broxburn 21 v 18 M Campbell Bankton Mains
J Smith Armadale 6 v 21 A Bryce Whitburn
R Howie Broxburn 9 v 21 W McDougall Glenmavis
A Gilliland Bankton Mains 10 v 21 B O'Hanlon Winchburgh
J Glen Bo'ness 16 v 21 G Grant Queensferry
N Speirs (S2) Kirkliston WO v WD N Grant Queensferry
S Palmer Ratho 10 v 21 S King Queensferry
E Russell Stoneyburn 12 v 21 A Salvona Seafield
WO = Walk Over, WD = With Drawn
Stormy weather played havoc with several ties in last nights second round of the £4000 West Lothian Masters, sponsored by The White Knights, but didn’t come quickly enough to save the skin of No7 seed Graeme Archer at Queensferry. Having lived dangerously in his first round survival 42 year old Archer was offered no life line to grasp by 18-year old Andrew Semple of Oakbank who sent the former national champion packing in just 15 or so ends. Semple crushed the seed 21-6 having raced into a 10-0 lead then stretching his advantage to 15-2 and from 15-6 showed no mercy with a 4, 1, 1 finish. “I am aware of Graeme’s big reputation so admit to be chuffed to bits as I thought I played really well and he sportingly said to me that the best man won on the night”, said the teenager later. And a night of mayhem for the seeded players saw Archer joined on the sidelines by six others in the shape of Ryan Miller (11), Graeme Byrne (12), Mark Allison (13), Stewart McMaster (14), Calum Logan (15) and Sandy McDougall (16), Rain stopped play in the games featuring John Aitken (1) and Frazer Muirhead (10) and they along with others will resume at their respective third round venue tonight with an early 6pm start designed to allow the winners to go back out. Teenager Ryan Miller’s older brother Kenny was a surprise loser on Monday night and last years WLBA ‘champion of champions’ joined him on the sidelines with a demoralising 21-6 defeat at Oakbank from Tommy Turnbull of Broxburn. Turnbull led the young seed 12-0 and it was soon all over in 15-ends. Graeme Byrne was the losing finalist in 2006 but the latest challenge from the 37-year old from Linlithgow was cut short by a 21-14 defeat from ex Northern star Eddie Christie of the Bankton Mains club in Livingston. Christie – son of the late great Jackie of Commonwealth Games Gold Medal fame (1974) - is a player of some note yet a dark horse in West Lothian. He dictated the pace at Newbridge to lead Byrne 14-7 then from 18-14 reached 21 with a 1, 1, 1, finish. Mark Allison faced a toughie in for former District champion Richard Mark of Deans at Bankton Mains and the 35-year old seed from Broxburn tumbled to a 21-11 defeat in 20-ends. Mark was quickly off the mark to lead 14-3 when closed to 16-11 answered the menace with a 2, 3 finish. Stewart McMaster of Broxburn was out battled in a 21-17 defeat from current Junior Open champion Steven Forrest of Kirkliston at Linlithgow and a sore night for the Badgers saw 20 year old Calum Logan lose 21-18 to Mike Campbell of Ratho at Pumpherston. Walter McDougall made a bold bid to recover from 19-8 down to Scott Mushet of Philpstoun at Bellsburn but having peeled at 19 the 41-year old from Glenmavis lost out to a 2 at the 22nd end. Seeds, Neil Speirs (2), Andrew Dunnett (3), Ewan Shearer (4), Grant Logan (5), Bryan Cooper (6), and George Sneddon (8) all progressed.
The lights are shining bright at the Northern BC this week with the Division 2 club of the EBL through to the final of the Specsavers Opticians Edinburgh Cup having axed Division 1 giants Pilrig in a semi final upset. Wins for the home rinks skipped by George Prentice and Gordon Wilson plus an away success for Roy Campbell earned Northern a 6-6 share of the points and they tipped the match scales with a superior margin of 7 shots. “We are over the moon at beating last seasons Division 1 champions” said Willie Robb for the Northern. “We are shell-shocked at losing as we were aiming to capture the Cup for a third time”, said David Poole for Pilrig. The clincher in terms of shots was the 16-6 home win for the rink of Andy Irving Darren Prentice Jim Bathgate and Gordon Wilson over E&L star Scott Rogers. The second home success for the Northern however was a truly nail-biting affair with George Prentice skipping Jim Prentice Mike Morrison and Ian MacDonald to an 11-10 success over Mike Wilson. Northern needed something at Pilrig and they did make one big impression in the Lions Den with Roy Campbell off to a flyer to lead 16-5 then skip Bob Bain Willie Robb and Gary Harrison to an 18-12 win over Chris Steven. Stan Christie had looked good at 21-14 up but was piped 22-21 by a strong finishing Darren McKenny. Play in the other semi final saw Tanfield beat Wardie.(Stewart Meikle 22/7/9)