Paul Foster MBE is the big name attraction that tops the bill in the National Indoor Bowls Finals being played at The Inveralmond Stadium in Livingston this weekend but there is also strong representation from Edinburgh and The Lothians.
Read MoreFoster lines up at the West Lothian IBC venue with the Scottish Singles crown in his sights, the prolific four times World Champion bidding to add to his previous national title triumph in 1999. Circumstances has robbed the occasion of a major box office clash against semi final opponent Neil Speirs with his fellow 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medal colleague and 2009 finalist from the host club ruled out of action by a leg injury that dates back to his football days
Fosters bye into Sundays final (1pm) tees him up for a tilt against the highly rated six times capped Martin Williamson of Ardrossan or the lesser known Dougie Berwick of East Lothian. Whilst Berwick is looked upon as the dark horse challenger it should be appreciated that he has emerged as the East Lothian champion from a club that is a hotbed of players with exceptional talents and achievements in Singles play.
Jack Macnab is a budding star from the Midlothian IBC camp and with premier league experience boosting his morale his challenge for the gents Junior Singles title carries high expectations from The Dalkeith Stadium. Macnab parades his exciting brand of skills against Mark OHagan of Blantyre in the semi finals with the winner going on to face Andrew Thomson of Aberdeen or John Orr of East Kilbride.
The showpiece climax to the Under 21 Singles brings Bainfield IBC into the picture in the shape of Mark McIntosh who carries the hopes of the Edinburgh support initially in his semi final clash against high profile figure Jason Banks of Garioch. The other semi final features Chris Mair of Dumbarton and Greg McLaughlin of Blantyre.
Whilst the enforced absence of Neil Speirs from the main event is depressing news for the host club supporters there is still much for them to be excited about with a challenge being mounted in the 2Bowl Pairs by international stars Thomas Mann and Calum Logan. Mann national singles champion in 2013 and Logan Junior Singles champion in 2011- came together as a partnership with Logan stepping into the shoes of Speirs and a strong qualifying campaign now pitches them into a tough battle against 2015 champions Colin and Jason Banks of Garioch. The other semi final features Alastair McClelland and Cameron Wilson of Galleon versus John Meikle and Scott Bishop of Blantyre.