Bowler aiming to beat best in the world

Aug 7 2009 by Mike Wilson

BOWLED over Allister Reid has landed a dream trip to the South Pacific after the biggest win of his career.

And the 40-year-old self employed joiner admitted: “I still can’t believe it. I’m just an ordinary guy who bowls at Seafield – now I’m off to the world champion of champions at Norfolk Island next year.”

Reid made it third time lucky when he beat Scott MacKintosh (London Road) 21-17 in Sunday’s national singles final at Northfield. Earlier, he beat Galston’s David Crawford 21-16 in the semis.

Allister, who had failed in 1992 and 2002, celebrated with a big party at Seafield before lining up in Ayr Bowling Week.

He said: “I’ve had messages from friends in Poland and people turned up out the blue for a great night. It’s uncanny – when Northfield staged the world champions last month, Seafield hosted Norfolk Island and two of their players joked that they would be seeing me next year. Now they will.”

As Scottish champion, Reid will also take part in the British Isles Championships at Worthing next summer.

Cumnock’s Jean Sykes failed to make it an Ayrshire double when she lost 20-10 in the women’s final to Lorraine Malloy (Spring Grove).

Glaisnock Valley beat Blackhill 18-16 to win the fours. Irvine Park took the two bowl pairs, beating Easkmills 17-12.

Kilmarnock Portland beat Willowbrae 21-12 in the fours final.