Mackay storms to WLBA Seniors title
Armadale man’s great glory run continues
Bob Mackay was in sparkling form as he lifted the WLBA Seniors Open.
The Armadale star secured the title with victories over Jack McLaren (Glenmavis) and Norrie Alexander (Ratho) on the final day of play.
Mackay was the form horse in the last four line-up having recently reached the semi-final stage of the West Lothian Masters event then emerging the conquering hero to capture the West Lothian Seniors Champion of Champions title.
However the form book was given a tough examination in Mackay’s semi-final with McLaren taking the favourite right down to the wire in a 21-20 thriller that lasted an epic 25-ends.
McLaren made a good start and excited his support with counts of two and three that edged him into an 11-9 lead after 12ends; but that triggered a purple patch response that accelerated Mackay firmly into the driving seat at 19-12.
He wasn’t able to deliver the killer punch, though as McLaren reduced the deficit to just two.
End 21 saw Mackay edge a single to 20 but the sweat came onto his brow as McLaren showed tremendous fighting qualities to register a hat-trick of singles that put the outcome on a knife-edge at 20-20.
It was a winner- takes- all situation entering the 25th-end and the unfolding drama of a gripping climax saw Mackay clinch his place in the final with a hardearned single.
The other semi featured a re- run of the 2015 final and it was revenge time for Alexander as he triumphed 21-10 to end the reign of his club-mate Stuart Smith.
Alexander held his own in the opening stages to stand at 7-7 after 10 ends then gave a warning signal of what lay ahead when conjuring up a magic full- house count of four.
The final countdown still looked a long way away at 13-10 but a stunning run saw him clinch victory in 19-ends.
The final opened in cagey style reflected by a 4-4 share after five ends however the first sign of supremacy was shown by Mackay in the shape of a powerful six end run that accelerated him to 14.
Alexander was floored by Mackay’s attack but, showing admirable resilience, bounced off the canvas to land a counter-punch combination that brought his stunned opponent under pressure at 14-11.
Mackay took his punishment on the chin, but remained strong in spirit and summoning up a refreshed impetus produced a grandstand run that swept him to a title winning, 21-11, victory in 18-ends.
Elsewhere, East Calder will host the WLBA Champion of Champions event this weekend which is set to bring the curtain down on the outdoor season.
The field is 29 strong and an epic occasion is in prospect with numerous high profile stars of the sport set to parade their skills in the hope that the coveted Burnside Trophy will end up being held aloft by them.
Record four times winner Ewan Shearer of Bo’ness is back on the title trail while Mackay will be looking to continue his fine form while the host club banner will be represented by first time champion Ian McGill.
Play commences on Saturday at 10am with follow-on sessions at 12noon, 2pm and 4pm.
The Sunday schedule sees the quarterfinals at 11am, semi-finals at 1.30pm, and final getting underway at 4pm.
The final of the West Lothian Bowling Association Seniors Top Ten featuring Linlithgow versus Kirkliston is down for decision this afternoon ( Thursday) at Blackburn.