West Lothian 8/8 – Scotlawn Bowls

The £4000 21^st West Lothian Masters swung into its weeklong action on Monday night and after the completion of Rounds 1 and 2 only nine of the 16 seeds had survived to stay in contention for the £1000 title and the signature Green Jacket.

It was a major disappointment that three of the seeds were unable to take their place in the event in the shape of 2016 WLM Greg Logan (6), 4 times Master John Aitken (7), and two in a row District Junior Champion Darren Pearce(10). Mark Allison (15) was the first of the playing seeds to bite the dust with the 45 year old Kirkliston star making a 21-18 exit in the first round to Dean McNeil of Whitburn McNeil failed to sustain his form in Round 2 and suffered a heavy 21-8 defeat from David Gemmell Jnr of Winchburgh.

Round 2 claimed 3 seeds and they were all previous Masters in the shape of 2010 champion Gary Smith ( 3) of Linlithgow; 2001 champion Ewan Shearer (5) also of Linlithgow; and 2014 champion Brian Craig (11) of Glenmavis. Smith, also a finalist in 2011 and 2014, crashed out to a 21-12 defeat from Cammy Robertson of Blackburn while Shearer , a record five times Champion of Champions and a semi finalist in the recent national championships, was edged out in a 21-19 battle by Gordon Snedden of Bellsburn.

Craig failed to cope with a hot potato opponent in the shape of 2008 finalist Bryan Cooper of Bathgate who claimed the 21-11 scalp of the 51 year old seed. No2 seed Grant Logan – a 4 times Master – had sweat on his brow before surviving a 21-20 thriller against Ian Kilgallon of East Calder while another 21-20 nailbiter saw Mark Bonar of Glenmavis pip Jamie Deegan of Harrysmuir. Hamilton Trophy players to bite the dust included Drew Paterson (Newbridge) piped in a 21-20 thriller by Steven Fleming of Buchan Park; James Speirs (Kirkliston) lose 21-9 to Calum Melrose of Deans; and David Lamb (Uphall Station) exit 21-12 at the hands of No 8 seed Thomas Mann.

The nine seeds parading their skills in last nights (Wed) 3rd Round play were; Andy Dunnett (1); Frazer Muirhead (16); Thomas Mann (8); Raymond Logan (9); Cameron Greer (12); Neil Speirs (4); Glenn King (13); Steven Fleming 14 of Linlithgow; Grant Logan (2). The venues for tonight’s (Thur) 4th Round are; East Calder, Bankton Mains, Kirkliston, Newbridge. Friday night’s 5th Round venues are; Armadale and West Calder. Sunday’s final days play in the WLM is hosted by Stoneyburn Community Bowling Green with the Quarterfinals at 11am; the semi finals at 1-30pm; and the final at 4pm.

The popular Players Sweepstake has prizes for the Last 8 with G,F. Lift Hydraulics sponsoring the holders of the Masters Champion £150; The Runners Up £100; the losing semi finalist £75 x 2.
Also £50 Vouchers from Slaters Menswear to each of the 4 losing quarterfinalists.

The stars of Buchan Park are celebrating a third success in the capture of the Inter County qualifying White Knights sponsored Top Ten having scored a 6-2 win over hot favourites Kirkliston in the final played at Newbridge.