East Lothian 20/9

The Scots started well against England and charged into an early twenty shot lead before the English started to claw the deficit back. The lead changed hands a couple of times over the last few ends, however, it was England who emerged victorious in the end by eleven shots and put themselves in pole position to claim the series. Scotland went into their last fixture against Ireland knowing that they must defeat the Irish and hope that Wales could defeat England and the young Scots needed to make up an eleven shot deficit. Whilst the Welsh charged into a thirty shot lead over England by halfway the Scots were misfiring and were narrowly down overall against the Irish. As expected the English again fought back in the second half of their game and eventually overturned the Welsh lead to take a two shot lead with seven ends remaining. However, the Welsh were not done and closed out the game superbly to inflict a two shot defeat on the English. This result transpired while the Scotland v Irish game was still being played with around six ends left and the Scots now in front and knowing if they won by ten shots they would be crowned champions. The last end of the game seen Scotland holding an eleven shot lead and knowing they could afford to lose a one in the rink of Liam Mackay. The Irish held one shot playing the last bowl and the skip played through the head to try and make two shots and did hit the target, however, when the dust settled the Irish only held one shot sparking jubilant celebrations by the Scottish team having captured the series by the closest of one shot margins over the Auld Enemy.

The indoor season is now upon us with the Alex Marshall Arena, home of East Lothian Indoor Bowls now fully open, with all leagues up and running and hat games have commenced. Members are reminded that fees can be paid via online banking with all details on the ELIBC Facebook page and must be paid by 30th September.

The youth section for all youths from beginners to the more experienced players is due to start back on Friday 27th September from 2pm through to 4pm and will then take place each Friday throughout the season. All youths are welcome to come along and “Try Bowls” at this Friday afternoon session, especially those who have played the Outdoor game and wish to keep bowling over the Indoor season. This session will take place under the stewardship of Internationalist Megan Kivlin alongside coaches Leslie Harris, Margaret Devine and Moira Johnstone. The Saturday morning sessions will commence on Saturday 28th September between 8 and 10am at which Peter Fallen, Colin Penman and John Henderson will coach the youths. The fixtures for the youth county games are not issued until October.