More than 500 take part in Ayr Bowling

Aug 8 2008

AYR Bowling Tournament got off to a sunshine start as more than 500 competitors lined up in the 76th annual event on Monday.

Players from all over the country are chasing places in the finals which come to a climax at the Northfield complex on Saturday.

Gents holder Peter McArthur (Maybole MP) opened his defence on Tuesday morning with a 21-19 win over David Kiltie snr (Gatehouse).

And he faced another tight struggle in the second round before edging out Auchinleck’s Derek Smith 21-18.

That earned McArthur a third round tilt against former winner Joe McGinlay of Hawkhill.

There was an early shock when Ayrshire champion of champions winner Ian Galloway (Dalry) lost 21-19 in the second round to Robert Hutchison of Biggar.

Last year’s pairs winner Alan Davies (Castle Douglas) was seeded 11 for the singles. But he was sent packing 21-20 by James McIntosh (Elderslie).

Number 13 seed Craig Collins (Northfield) lost 21-19 to Craig Yates (Crooksmoss).

Number two seed Anne Brown (Newton Park) had to withdraw from the ladies singles after a fixtures clash.

Anne and team-mates Liz Campbell and Liz Nelson line up against Forfar in the national two bowl triples at Bainfield this weekend.

A bumper 116 mixed pairs took to the greens on Monday morning in a new competition for the Newton Park trophy. A long day’s play saw some teams having to get past three sets of opponents to reach the last 16.

Last 16 draw: Susan Kelly and John McColm (Stranraer) v Carol O'Neill and Graeme McKinlay; Annie Sproat and Jimmy Sproat (Stranraer WE) v Sheila Hanlin and Alex Hanlin (Castle Kennedy); Margaret Wells and Martin Williamson (Irvine Park) v Elaine McKenzie and Willie McKenzie (Cumnock); Vivien Taylor and Robert Taylor (Castle Kennedy) v Donna Clark (Ochiltree) and Kevin Southgate (Auchinleck).

Diana Henderson (Castle Kennedy) and David Kelly (Stranraer) v Maureen Shimmons (Annbank) and Jim Shields (Wattfield); Claire Johnston and Alex Fleming (Auchinleck) v Val Bryce and John Barr (Annbank); Claire McCurdie and John Thomson (Hawkhill) v Fiona Kelly and Michael Kelly (Stranraer); Catherine Druggan and Jock Druggan (Auchinleck) v Josephine Williamson (Cumnock) and Joe Williamson (New Cumnock).

Play continues in all competitions until Saturday. The junior pairs and mixed pairs finals are scheduled for a 12.30pm start, with all other finals at 2pm.