Robert Saunders of Whitburn BC is celebrating his capturer of ‘The WESLO Seniors Open Crown’ with the 65 year old singing and dancing in the rain after defeating Brian Walker of Queensferry and John Collins of Middleton Hall- plus the elements – in the climax of the WLBA event played at Glenmavis, Bathgate.
Read MoreSaunders title win triggered a very emotional response as his Weslo triumph completed a truly sensational hat trick of West Lothian majors in the Seniors branch of the sport as he landed the Champion of Champions the previous weekend having started the ball rolling with the National District title back in June. “I only started bowling 11 years ago and was really just playing for pleasure and enjoying a new pastime so I am completely surprised and overwhelmed by finding myself in the spotlight and limelight”.
Saunders main sporting interests had been playing football then golf but some 11 years ago a holiday in Blackpool saw him while away some time on the bowling green within Stanley Park after which his pal said “You had a natural touch there – you should take it up”.
Taking that advice Robert joined Whitburn BC as a rookie and now finds himself as a history maker being the first to win three Senior Majors on the West Lothian calendar – in the same season.
The climax to The Weslo at Glenmavis saw Saunders faced with a tough semi final test against Brian Walker of Queensferry and it was all square at 9-9 after 13-ends then at 12-11 up the Whitburn ace made telling space to 16 and went on to win 21-12 in 21-ends. The final – played in a drizzling rain – pitched Saunders into action against John Collins of Middleton Hall who had kicked on from 14-14 in his semi to beat David Peel of West Calder, 21-15, in 20-ends. The opening exchanges in the final were hard fought with the battle for supremacy still wide open with Saunders just nosing the lead at 13-11 after 17-ends. Just four ends later it was all over – and in great grandstand style with Saunders sweeping past the winning post having exploded to 21 with a dynamic run of 2, 3, 2, 1. Mike Bruce, CEO of Weslo Housing Management, witnessed the dramatic moments of history in the making and was on hand to present the coveted trophy to a very emotionally challenged recipient.