Balbardie pair go for national title glory
Opportunity knocks this weekend for Balbardie stars Sharon Leitch and Lorraine Craig to capture national title glory with the two-times champions bidding to complete a famous treble in the 4Bowl Pairs discipline of the Scottish Championships which reach their conclusion at Coatbridge.
Having etched their names on the silverware in 2006 and 2011 it is fair to say that expectations are high that the vastly experienced partnership of joint international status has the skills and mental strength to deliver a third capture of a truly prestigious Scottish Champioship crown.
The pathway to title glory is a difficult one to negotiate, however, and the first hurdle looms in the shape of semi-final opponents Rosie Wood and Catherine McIntosh of fartravelled Stonehaven.
They will represent a significant challenge to the Balbardie duo and there is certainly no guarantee of progress to the showpiece final.
The opposite semi-final features Jeanette Weadon and Jean McFredries of Galleon against Anne Marie Taggart and Laura Welsh of Whiteinch in what is an evenly-matched and highly talented final four of the national tournament.
Elsewhere, West Lothian Indoor Bowling Club gents stepped up their bid for Scottish Cup glory with a strong team performance that secured a comfortable 8-2 win over first round proper opponents Tweedbank at East Lothian.
Tougher times do appear to lie ahead however in the shape of East Lothian with the 2016 champions defeating lowly Forfar 8-2 at Headwell to set up a second round clash against their rivals from Livingston on March 10 to be held in Dalkeith.
There was, sadly, no joy for Balbardie however with the Bathgatebased team making their exit to a crushing 10-0 defeat from a strong top flight Falkirk opposition at Livingston.
While the defeat was perhaps to be expected as they went into the clash as real underdogs, the final margin would have been a real disappointment for the Balbardie team as they failed to register a point.
West Lothian IBC’s progress in the Scottish Mixed Team Championship came to an abrupt halt in the shape of a disappointing 6-2 defeat at the hands of a very good Abbeyview team in their second round clash at Bainfield.
Friday night at East Calder Bowling Club is AGM night for the West Lothian Bowling with proceeding getting underway at 7pm.
There is much business to be discussed and President Ian McGill would appreciate a strong turnout from the 34 member clubs.
Meanwhile, Bowls Scotland have announced a brand new leadership duo for the 2018 Home International campaign with celebrated players Paul Foster MBE and David Peacock named as the management team.