Bell forges ahead to win Club Open singes final at Thurso

Thurso Bowling Club held the Weigh Inn Hotel sponsored Club Open singles competition last Saturday and saw a big entry as per normal for this popular event.

There were some close games and some surprises on the way to the semi-finals where Robert Bell faced Lorna Cormack and Allan Swanson played Charlie Smith.

Robert, who had survived an early scare against Leah Taylor, quickly settled into the tie and raced clear of the experienced Lorna to record a 21-11 victory.

Allan was in top gear against Charlie who had no answer for Allan’s consistency and suffered a 21-7 defeat.

The final looked like being a tight affair with the score after 11 ends 8-7 in Robert’s favour. But Robert forged ahead, scoring the 13 shots required over the next seven ends to close out the game 21-8.

Thurso will have a minimum of two representatives at this year’s national championships in Ayr after Chelsea Bain and Lorna and Brian Cormack won their respective district finals last Sunday in Brora.

Chelsea had a comfortable 21-4 result over Isla MacLeod from Golspie. Lorna and Brian had to come from behind in their tie when they found themselves 13-6 down with only four ends to play – but they managed to fall over the line, winning by one shot from their Inverness Highland opponents.

Thurso could have as many as four more representatives when the ladies’ district finals take place in Nairn. Chelsea Bain, singles, Jillian Tewnion and Lorna Cormack, pairs, Linda Morrison, Joan Bridge and Marina Bain, triples, and Liz Rhodes, Pam Barney, Cath Irons and Lynne Swanson all take to the green.

Cath Irons and Brian Cormack both lost out at the semi-final stages of their senior singles.

This Saturday will see Thurso host its first open of the year, the Gala Week pairs, sponsored by DSRL. The draw will be posted on the notice board.

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