Auchinleck trio win two bowl triples at Prestwick

Jan 7 2011 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

AUCHINLECK’S Scott McNeillie, John Candlish and Colin Smith claimed the honours in the Wallaces Express Christmas open two bowl triples which culminated at Prestwick last Thursday.

Twenty-four teams had started in pursuit of the crown with the best from the qualifying days on Tuesday and Wednesday making it through to finals night.

The triples skipped by Colin beat Steven Dunlop, Andrew Weir and Kathie Mitchell 8-4 in the quarter-finals before beating James Young, Joe Williamson and Josephine Williamson by the same scoreline in an all Auchinleck semi.

In the final against Craig Cobbledick, Brian Fulton and Robert McCulloch, they built an early 8-1 advantage that they were able to convert into a 8-6 final scoreline.

Earlier, Robert McCulloch’s team beat Bob Martin, Francis Leitch and Drew Boyd in the semi which had to be decided on an extra end.

Results: quarter-finals: Drew Boyd 10, Bobby Cowan 9; Robert McCulloch 9, Morris Sturgeon 8; Colin Smith 8, Kathie Mitchell 4; Josephine Williamson 13, Robert Rae 5; Semi-finals: Robert McCulloch 9, Drew Boyd 8; John Candlish 8, Josephine Williamson 4; Final: John Candlish 8, Brian Fulton 6.

The junior pairs competition was held at Prestwick last Tuesday with Ross Gouldstone and Jordan Slaven claiming the honours. Eighteen juniors took part in a competitive but fun day with the team of Ross and Jordan beating Jack Gibson and Craig Cathie in the final.

This Saturday sees a crucial clash in the Scottish Seniors League with Prestwick visiting Glasgow in a top of the table clash. Prestwick sit two points clear of Glasgow but the side based at Mount Vernon have a match in hand.

However, if Prestwick claim the two points they will be in a strong position to claim the one place on offer in the league play-offs.

The selectors have again only made one change to the team that beat Ayr at home before Christmas. Rink 1: Willie Ferguson, Jim Ross, Jim Fortune, Cliff Eade; Rink 2: Scott Watson, John Lindsay, Dougie McKie, Michael Higgins; Rink 3: Alec Thomson, Tom Howson, Joe Reid, Alan Paxton; Rink 4; Willie Ferguson, David Brown, John Docherty and Morris Sturgeon.

Prestwick ladies travel to Ayr in an important match to determine who will finish second in the section. Prestwick beat Ayr at home earlier in the year but travelling to Ayr could be an all together tougher match.

Rink 1: Muriel Cowley, Dorothy Nimmo, Jean Paterson, Kathie Mitchell; Rink 2: Margaret McRonald, Nancy Gelleburn, Cathy Lawson, Betty McKinlay; Rink 3: Doreen Wilson, May Hood, Betty Hainey, Wilma Ogilvie; Rink 4: Ann Boyd, Pat Sutherland, Margaret Wells, Val O' Neill.

The gents under 25 international series will take place at Abbeyview on Saturday and Sunday. Colin McBride (Auchinleck) and Martin Williamson (Irvine) are in the Scotland squad.

On Sunday, Prestwick will host a prelim match in the Scottish Team Championship. Ardrossan play Irvine with a 2pm start. This competition involves each team playing a singles, mixed pairs, mixed triples and mixed fours. Prestwick play East Kilbride at Ardrossan in their opening encounter on Sunday.

The club will hold a special general meeting on Tuesday, January 11 at 7pm. It has been called to discuss issues with the heating system at Prestwick Indoor and a good turnout of members is requested.

Half yearly memberships are available at Prestwick Indoor for anyone who wishes to join the club from January. The fee of £31 will entitle the member to full use of the club and to play in all the competitions. Anyone interested should contact Gordon at the club.