The Co-operative Funeralcare continued its sponsorship of the Scottish Inter County Top Ten (Bowls) Championship in 2015 and the 34th year of the prestige event saw Burnbank- Hamilton capture the coveted crown for Lanarkshire.
Burnbank were making their fourth appearance in the ‘National Top Ten’ and their first title triumph brought Lanarkshire only their second celebration having last triggered the victory salute with the success of Lesmahagow in 1984. The team and crowd reaction was particularly raucous and gloriously acclaimed as the Final Days play was hosted at bi-annual venue Eddlewood BC in Hamilton so Burnbank were bringing pleasure to an inspired vocal local support.
The final was in itself and anti-climax in that Burnbank stormed to commanding 6-2 win over Kirkconnel of Dumfriesshire having been inspired by spearhead figure Michael Docherty powering to a 21-5 win in the Singles. The high profile partnership of indoor caps Gerry Sullivan and Jim McCann took no prisoners as they romped to a 26-5 win in the Pairs while the rink of Mark McCourt, Jackie O’Neill, Sandy Hazelting, and Scott Fair dominated the Fours to win 22-14.
Kirkconnel did have the measure of their opposition in the Triples with Ryan Clark, Ian Clark, and Alistair Monteith transforming an 8-2 deficit into a good 19-11 win over Hugh Letham, Thomas Kerr, and Brian Davies. The two semi finals were real corkers however with last end drama in the Pairs tipping the scales for Burnbank in their clash with Bellsburn (Linlithgow) of West Lothian.
Burnbank had recovered from 12-6 down to cross, with the help of a super six, 16-12 but then trailed 17-16 before carding a double to snatch an 18-17 win over Sam Gray and Craig Yeaman. The result was a match-winner because it tied the result at 4-4 on points allowing Burnbank to reach the final with a superior shot margin of 9 shots. Other scores being Singles, 19-21; Triples, 22-7; Fours, 11-16.
Kirkconnel beat Fife champions Strathmiglo, 6-2, with the game changing result delivered by Lee Marshall finishing 3, 4, 3 to steal a 21-17 win over a stunned Alan Pearson in the Singles. Other scores, Pairs, 18-13; Triples, 15-14; Fours, 7-23.
The Co-operative Funeralcare was represented by Jim Lee who presented the Trophy and Prizes and paid tribute and compliments to an event that embraced 25 County Champions, nationwide.
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