Bowlers fly the flag
Perthshire bowlers were among the winners at a prestigious weekend tournament.
Five members of Blackford Bowling Club were part of a six-strong delegation which flew the flag for the region at the Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) Lawn Bowls Championships, held on Saturday at Westburn Park in Aberdeen.
The competitions for bowlers with a learning disability were as keenly contested as ever and featured multiple national champions in the draw.
Blackford’s Fiona Driver and Graeme Panton eventually took top honours, defeating Lothian’s Christina McSherry and South Lanarkshire’s Andrew Harrison respectively in the finals.
And there was further Perthshire success as Steve Key, of Inchture BC, retained his title in the wheelchair section as he progressed from his group before defeating Fife’s Willie Harrison in the final.
Ron Anderson, a lead coach and
Runnersup John Anton and Fraser Mitchell of Scone Rec development officer at Blackford BC, started para/disabled bowls taster sessions and workshops at the club two seasons ago.
He said:“There was a great response, which showed there was a demand for the sessions locally.
“And to go from not competing to winning Scottish titles in two years is quite impressive given that some areas have been competing in these events for many, many, years.”
A spokesperson for SDS said:“Perth and Kinross are relative newcomers to this event with a growing band of players, most notably from Blackford Bowling Club, and have made a considerable impact in this event in the last two years.
“Bowls can be such an inclusive sport, with many of the championship’s entrants participating and competing at their respective local clubs thanks to the positive inclusive culture created by so many within the sport.”