Wee Toon bowlers help Scots make it two in a row
Two of Campbeltown’s best young bowlers have helped the Scottish junior team retain the British Isles Bowls Council (BIBC) trophy it won last year, breaking a 15-year record. Gavin Mclachlan, 21, and Lee Allen, 22, who are both members of Argyll Bowling Club, played for the team which beat England, Ireland and Wales to take the BIBC under-25s bowls championship for the second year running. The boys were part of the team which won the title in Llandrindod Wells, Wales, last year, for the first time in six years, and reapplied for selection this year, making it back into the national squad. In an incredibly close final match, at Belmont Bowling Club in Belfast on Sunday, Scotland beat Wales 128-127. Gavin said: ‘It was an amazing feeling to go and retain our title that we won in Wales. ‘To do it away from home two years in a row is something you can only dream about – the last time it was done was 15 years ago.’ Lee added: ‘There has never been two internationals playing from the same town in the Scotland team before. ‘It was amazing to retain the British championships title and to do it away from home is even better.’ Gavin, an apprentice joiner for M&K Macleod, and Lee, who works in health and safety at CS Wind, have both been bowling since they were around eight years old, encouraged by their fathers, who travelled to Belfast with family and friends to support their sons. Lee’s dad, Davie, said: ‘It was a great exhibition of bowling from the under-25s with Scotland coming out winners for the second time running. ‘A very close game with one bowl deciding a well-deserved victory.’ Gavin’s dad, also Gavin, said: ‘It was great watching how far my son has come on with his bowling career in a few years, just a great experience.’ The boys, who travelled to Belfast by ferry on the team bus, were not able to celebrate in style as they had to fly home for work on Monday but they are grateful for the support they have received. Gavin said: ‘A massive thanks to all the Campbeltown supporters that come with us every year. ‘They were the loudest Scottish support there and there was a lot from Scotland. ‘It makes it even more special.’ Lee said: ‘Thanks for all the kind words and messages I’ve received from everyone at home and a massive thanks to supporters from Stronvaar and Argyll Bowling Club. ‘We really appreciate their support and hope to see them in Essex County, September 2019.’