Cumbernauld hosts gent’s national singles

The spectators were expecting exciting bowls and were not disappointed. The local player, Jim Byron, was competing and won his first game against an opponent from the Buchan Club. Unfortunately, in the next round he was paired with one of the favourites, J. Ross from Paisley, despite playing very well he was narrowly defeated by 21 shots to 19.

On Sunday the 16 remaining gents from Saturday’s games were joined by the ladies who were contesting their own super singles title. The gents were now playing for semi-final places in the national finals which were to be held at Falkirk Stadium in January 2013 and the standard of bowls did not disappoint those watching with several games being decided by the last bowl thrown.

Results: S. Allan (Alloa) 21, G. Barclay (Turriff) 5; J. Ross (Paisley) 21, D. Colvin (Stonehaven) 16; T. Mann (West Lothian) 21, C. Moss (Bainfield) 20; D. Gaulten (Whiteinch) 21, D. Cannon (Newton Stewart) 19.

After the preliminary rounds the ladies were now playing for a place in the final to be shown live on television from the Dewar’s Centre, Perth, in November, during the gents champion of champions.

The quarter-finals saw J. Forrest (Teviotdale), L. Cameron (Whiteinch), C. Brown (Blantyre) and M. Cooper (Ardrossan) progress to the semis.

Again the ladies, who were playing the best of three sets, did not disappoint the watching crowd and followed the gents by producint exciting bowls.

In the first semi Julie Forrest just edged out Lorna Cameron in two tight sets, and the second had to be decided on a tie-break with Michelle Cooper just edging out Caroline Brown with her last bowl to progress to the final.

A special mention must go to the members at Cumbernauld Indoor Bowling Club for their professionalism in providing experienced markers for the games and extending hospitality to the visiting officials.

Whilst the elite players were peforming at the stadium it was business as usual for the club players. The senior team were on duty in the inter-club league away to Ayr, where they gained a fine win over the home team by 73 shots to 55. It also saw a welcome return to the team of Tom Anderson after a spell of illness.

Results (Cumbernauld skips first) – T. Turnbull 19, D. Graham 9; J. McConnachie 22, W. Carlton 12; J. B. Wilson 15, J. Hutchison 17; T. Anderson 17, G. Jack 17.

Altogether a very exciting and pleasurable weekend of bowls for the Cumbernauld club.