Auchinleck's Claire Johnston and Maureen Shimmons in national semi-finals

Jan 11 2013 by Mike Wilson, Ayrshire Post

Auchinleck duo Claire Johnston and Maureen Shimmons are through to the semi-finals of the SIBA ladies national pairs.

They beat the Galleon 26-3 in their opening game on Saturday and Ardrossan 25-18 on Sunday to set up a clash against Whiteinch.

Maureen and Claire won 25-13 to set up a last four tilt against East Kilbride at Fraserburgh on March 30.

In the gents national pairs playdowns at Blantyre, Garry Johnstone and Alex Fleming beat Castlemilk 23-6 in their first match on Saturday.

But they bowed out on Sunday at East Kilbride when they lost 23-14 to Prestwick Ambassador.

The seniors lost 62-60 away to Prestwick. Scores: D. Weir 16, M. Sturgeon 19; W. McLatchie 13, M. Higgins 11; J. Smith 11, A. Paxton

20; D. Mitchell 20, J. Lindsay 12.

Baird Bowl results: Cumnock 7, Glaisnock Valley 1; Auchinleck 8, Galston 0.

There are no league matches on Saturday due to the semi finals of the gents and ladies national singles, under 25 singles and two bowl pairs being held at Falkirk.

Auchinleck will be represented by young Carrie McLean who will play Blantyre’s Claire Walker in the semi-final of the ladies under 25 singles championship at 3pm. The final will be held at Falkirk at 10am on Sunday, January 13.

On Sunday, Auchinleck hosts the Ayrshire Gents Top Nine. Play starts at 9.30am when five teams will play a round robin

competition with all clubs fielding a pairs, triples and fours. The presentation of the trophy and medals is scheduled for 2.30pm.

The ladies Ayrshire Top Nine will be held at Prestwick Ambassador with play starting at 9.30am.

The club held a very successful Christmas draw. Some of the winners were: food hamper: Karen Lorimer; drinks hamper: Jim Strang; one litre whisky: Katie Boyle; bowling bag: Ian McLean; Argos vouchers: David Carruthers and William McKenzie; jewellery set: Carrie McLean; one litre gin: Alex McCluskie.