West Lothian 5/3 – Scotlawn Bowls

West Lothian IBC is celebrating its first ever capture of a National Seniors Indoor title with former world stage outdoor star George Sneddon skipping George Marshall and Alastair Stenhouse to a hard fought triumph in the Triples.

Played at Abbeyview in Dunfermline the pathway towards etching their names on the coveted silverware started with a 12-10 semi final win over Coatbridge having made an encouraging start to lead 7-1 then answering pressure at 9-8 with a battling 2, 1 (1), (1), response.

The opposition in the final came in the shape of Perth trio Robert Whyte, Robert Smith, and Richard Brown and it was an epic confrontation with peels called on seven occasions the last of which was 9-9 on the penultimate end setting up a pulsating climax. With the nerve ends twanging in both camps the destination of the Age Scotland sponsored title and the triggering of the victory salute was decided by Sneddon and his heroic front-two carding a magnificent double. Sneddon – WLIBC’s most capped player with 48 to his name – was completing a unique double as back in 2006 he skipped Joey Strickland and Des Hagart to the clubs first and only title triumph in the Gents National Triples proper.

Richard Mark carried the WLIBC banner in the Seniors Singles but failed to find his true form and from 13-2 down paid the full price with a 21-13 defeat in the semi final stage against Bill Menzies of Buchan – who then lost 21-10 to Danny McCormick of Stirling in the final.

Balbardie IBC International star Lorraine Craig is in Welsh venue Llanelli this weekend skipping one of the six rinks representing Scotland in the Ladies British Isles Home Championship series.

The recent well attended 138th AGM of the West Lothian Bowling Association (Gents) held in Linlithgow BC unanimously accepted the Unification proposal of incorporating The West Lothian Ladies Association and the West Lothian Young Bowlers Association.

The Office Bearers under the new constitution were elected as follows; Chairperson: Gary Smith (Linlithgow); Secretary: Keith Mitchell (Buchan Park); Treasurer: Ken Lawrie (Mid Calder); Gents President: Colin Stein (Linlithgow BC); Vice President: (Graham Turner (Middleton Hall); Ladies President: Isobel West (Oakbank); Gents Match Secretary: Brian Campbell (Ratho); Ladies Match Secretary: Lorna Smith (Linlithgow); Young Bowlers Match Secretary: Anne Bremner (Newbridge); Seniors Gents Match Secretary: Brian Roy (Bellsburn): Sponsorship Convenor: Gary Smith (Linlithgow). Honorary Presidents: Lord Rosebery; Mark Wilson (Armadale): Stewart Meikle (Kirkliston). A tribute was paid to the excellence of the 10 years service of retiring WLBA Secretary Davy Doyle (East Calder).