Bowling: Top form West see off Wee County challenge

Jun 5 2009 by John Miller, Stirling Observer Friday

STIRLING County West bowlers returned to their winning ways last Saturday in the Scottish Counties championship with a thumping 31-shot victory over local rivals Clackmannan & Kinross.

Following the previous Saturday's unexpected blip against Renfrewshire, it was important that County West bounce back to stay in touch with the qualifying contenders with just three matches remaining.

And on a sun-drenched Alloa Co-op green they did just that - and in considerable style - finishing with five winning rinks. Apart from one brief moment around the tenth end, County West led from start to finish.

Charlie Gibson, Steve Whitton, Craig Watson and Jason Williams won 27-7 over Bruce Ramage with Terry Reilly, Joe Traynor, Dougie Kerr and Bryan Stillie seeing off Stuart Dalrymple's four by 22-16.

Richard Guy, Manny Cruz, Billy Guy and Hugh Letford finished 21-19 winners against Willie Milne, while David Stewart, Peter Black, Pat Martin and Sandy Deans won 22-13 over Gary Craig.

Paul Monteith, Harvey Robertson, Kevan Frogley and Danny McCormick enjoyed a 17-14 success over Ian Inglis.

Losing out were Ian Forsyth, James Brown, Rae Duncan and Derek Logie who went down 11-21 to Alan Morrison. Totals: Stirling County West 120, Clackmannan & Kinross 89. The man of the match award went to Sandy Deans.

Saturday's result leaves County West in second top position in their West section with six points plus 89 shots. Behind them is Lanarkshire West with six plus 43. The teams clash at the Overtown & Waterloo green on Saturday. Ayrshire remain undefeated at the top of the section.

For Saturday's match Derek Logie's rink comprises Ian Gillies, Ian Forsyth and Rae Duncan. All other rinks remain unchanged. Reserves are Tommy Hood and James Brown.

The bus will leave from Stirling Bowling Club at noon picking up at Whins of Milton.

JUNIOR COMPETITION

SIXTY junior bowlers from throughout Central Scotland gathered on a sun-bathed Causewayhead green last Sunday to compete in the club's annual junior rink competition.

Once again, Robert Ferguson, proprietor of the neighbouring William Wallace, sponsored the event. Robert kindly donated t-shirts, trophies and refreshments throughout the day.

Robert presented prizes to the gold medal winners - Dunblane's Callum McNaughton, Rab Robertson, Craig Symon and Chris MacDonald.

The silver medal went to Polmaise four Brian Kirkwood, Gary Malcolmson, Chris Hazell and Aaron Hazell.

Losing semi-finalists were Cambusbarron's Samantha Brown, Gary Brown, Callum Hutchison and Greg Blennie, along with Abronhill's Kieron Butler, Mags Butler, Andrew Reid and Grant Reid.

The junior section at Causewayhead is open to youths aged 10-16 years and new members are welcome. Further information can be obtained from the club on 473350 or George McCluskey on 464992.