Dogged display by bowls pair takes the lead in Jedburgh competition

Ava Lindores lifts the cup won at Jedburgh Bowling Club by her father, Euan, and grandfather, Robbie, won in the pairs competition (picture by Bill McBurnie)

A combination of pairs and triples events has been accompanied by the return of the midweek Border Bowling League, along with one or two contests of a less conventional nature.

At Jedburgh, 32 entries for the two-bowl pairs battled it out to the final, and it turned out to be a close affair.

Gregor Taylor and Alistair White took on the canine-nicknamed pair of Robbie ‘Dog’ Lindores and his son Euan ‘Pup’ Lindores.

Winners of the Club Triples at Galashiels BC, from left, Colin Stewart, club president Roseanne Eades and Ivor Chalmers

After a close start to the game, the Lindores team managed to gain a three-shot advantage up the last, thanks to steady leading by veteran and newly-selected senior Robbie and the occasional wick in from the ‘Pup’.

Fantastic leading by Taylor gave Alistair a chance up the last but a nice bowl from the young ‘Pup’ wrapped things up for team Lindores.

Saturday at Galashiels saw the sixth competition of the season – the club triples – where ends won was the order of the day, rather than shots.

It was a fun alternative to the norm, enjoyed by the 30 players (10 triples) with only one sharp shower to contend with during the day.Ivor Chalmers, club president Roseanne Eades and Colin Stewart defeated Bruce Robertson, Danny Porter and Robert Fox in the final by 4-2.

Bruce Robertson, left, Danny Porter and, right, Robert Fox were runners-up in the Club Triples at Galashiels BC

Semi-finalists were Gary Johnstone, Doug Taylor and Neil Tough, as well as Brian Lawson, Taylor Johnston and Graham Godsell.The next competition is the Mary Black Trophy this Sunday, June 27.

Border Bowling League returned last midweek for a mini-season, with 14 teams entered to bring back some competitive bowling. Galashiels made a good start, with performances to build on for both A and B teams.

Results: June 17 – Gala A 58, Gala Waverley 69 (Gala 3pts, Waverley 2pts). June 16 – Gala B 64, Wilton B 67 (Gala 1.5pts, Wilton 3.5ts).There were three rink wins out of four for Gala A and close rink scores for Gala B with a win and a draw. This week, Gala A were due to entertain Earlston, with Gala B playing Gala Waverley.

The seniors kicked off their league on Tuesday against Wilton.

Galashiels also went down under recently for an Australian pairs competition, won by Nazera Rutherford and Steve Currie, who defeated Gary Johnstone and Neil Tough in the final.

A total of 32 players enjoyed another great day, with a fun and out-of-the-normal concept.

Over at Abbotsford Bowling Club, the David Hardie & Son-sponsored pairs league continued last week with the fourth round of fixtures.

In section one, Chris Hardie and John Manczak lead Tommy Mann Snr and Brian Hancock on shots difference.

In section two, Paddy and Cameron Beatt remain at the top, with Brian Anderson and Keith Campbell in second place.

The Saturday hat competition was won by the triple of Arthur Hancock, Alan Howlieson and Paddy Beatt, while Craig Martin of DC Sportz provided a pop-up shop throughout the afternoon.

The club’s 2021 annual general meeting is scheduled to take place on the evening of Thursday, July 22.