Home   Sport   Article

Thurso can be proud of efforts at national finals


By Staff Reporter- NOSN

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!

Thurso Bowling Club’s representatives in this year’s national finals travelled to the National Centre for Bowling in Ayr.

First to compete were Lorna and Brian Cormack in the mixed pairs on Sunday as they came up against a strong local pair from Halkshill Bowling Club, Largs.

After going 9-0 behind early on Lorna and Brian started to play themselves back into the tie and closed the deficit 10 shots to seven. The decisive shot came on the following end. With Lorna and Brian lying five shots, the opposing skip played weight into the head and got a fortuitous rub off a short bowl to lie second shot and eventually win the game by 14 shots to 11.

Second up was Chelsea Bain in the junior singles and she eased past Jaclyn Neil from Arthurlie BC by a 21-8 score. Next up was Ellie McCubbin from Auchencairn, with Chelsea winning by 21 shots to 15.

Her quarter-final tie against Bryony Thompson of Argyle BC was a tight affair with Chelsea finally overcoming her opponent 21-20.

In the semi-final Chelsea faced previous winner and current Scottish under-25 ladies’ captain Megan Kivlin. Megan’s experience shone through as she went on to defeat Chelsea by 21 shots to four to progress to the final and eventually lift the junior singles title.

Chelsea returned home with a bronze medal and can be proud of her performances.

Thurso's Chelsea Bain with her bronze medal.
Thurso's Chelsea Bain with her bronze medal.

The ladies’ rink of Liz Rhodes, Pam Barney, Cath Irons and Lynne Swanson took to the green on the Wednesday afternoon and cruised to a 19-9 win over their Colinton opposition. In the second round they squeezed past Blairgowrie BC by 14 shots to 13.

The quarter-final was a different matter, though, as they came up against the Townhill rink which hosted international level players and although the Thurso ladies played some excellent bowls they succumbed to a heavy defeat to the eventual runners-up.

Lorna Cormack made her second outing at the championships where she was partnered by Jillian Tewnion in the ladies’ pairs. This game went all the way to the last end with Jillian and Lorna trailing by one shot but their Bridge of Allan opponents held on and secured their win, scoring a three on the final end to prevail 16-12.

Last up was Chelsea Bain again, this time in the ladies’ singles. Chelsea performed well but after a good battle she lost out 21-15.

On the whole it was a good performance all round and all the teams can be proud of their achievements. They were grateful for the support they received.

Single sets winner Liam MacKay with runner-up Liz Rhodes.
Single sets winner Liam MacKay with runner-up Liz Rhodes.

Back home the singles sets competition took place, with the shortened format resulting in some close games – none more so than the two semi-finals and the final.

The first semi saw Liam MacKay edge Julie Knapp 4-0 in a tiebreak after the first two sets had been shared. Liam’s opponent in the final was Liz Rhodes, who knocked out Nigel Gower in a tiebreak by two shots to one.

The final also went to a tiebreak after Liz claimed the first set 8-6 and Liam took the second 9-1. The scores were tied after the first two ends of the tiebreak but Liam managed to secure the vital shot in the last end to lift the singles sets trophy.


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More