Many of Scotland’s leading bowlers were present in Aberdeen on Saturday for the 2018 National Championships, an event run in partnership by Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) and Sport Aberdeen. Westburn Park has been the home of the Championships for over twenty years now, the picturesque park in the heart of the Granite City witnessing some magnificent contests through the years.
This year saw an increase in competitors from the National Squad as no fewer than 10 players competed across the sections to lay claim to the title of SDS National Lawn Bowls Champion. Six defending champions were also in the draw attempting to retain their titles today in what was an incredibly strong field.
The 2018 Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast featured Scottish teams in the Mixed Pairs for bowlers with a visual impairment and in the Triples competition for bowlers with a physical disability. Garry Brown and Michael Simpson from the Gold Coast Triples team competed today and found themselves facing off in the Semi-Final of their section in what was arguably the toughest section ever seen in these championship. Michael had had a close call in progressing to the semis as he relied on shot difference following a defeat from Perth & Kinross’ Robert McCracken in the group stages. In the other semi-final the highly decorated Billy Allan from Fife was defeated by the newcomer Glen Livingstone, also from Fife. Glen made it an event to remember by defeating Michael in the final to take the trophy home to Abbeyview Bowling Club.
n the female section another all-Fife clash saw Maria Spencer and Barbara McMillan do battle as two of the most decorated and experienced bowlers in their fields put on a feast of bowls for the watching spectators. A feature of this event is of course the unique opportunity for bowlers with a visual impairment to compete against bowlers with a physical disability and on this occasion it was Barbara who emerged triumphant adding to our national title haul.
Perth & Kinross are relative newcomers to this event with a growing band of players, most notably from Blackford Bowling Club, and have made a considerable impact in this event in the last two years. Leading from the front was Steve Key from Inchture bowling club who retained his title in the wheelchair section as he progressed with ease from his group before defeating Fife’s Willie Harrison in the final 11-3.
A pleasing aspect of the event was the fact that the competition for totally blind bowlers was included this year. Dundee’s Kirsten Thomson faced off against Fife’s experienced Eleanor Clark. Eleanor emerged victorious in both clashes, negating the need for a deciding fixture however Kirsten remains one for the future.
Forth Valley’s Keith Gardner continues his progress in the sport by securing the title following a victory over the debutant from the Borders, James Dick.
The competitions for bowlers with a learning disability were keenly contested as ever and featured multiple national champions in the draw. Inevitably some excellent bowlers exited both the female and male sections early such was the strength in depth in the draw. Ultimately, Fiona Driver and Graeme Panton from Perth & Kinross were the winners, defeating Lothian’s Christina McSherry & South Lanarkshire’s Andrew Harrison respectively in the finals.
Bowls can besuch an inclusive sport with many of today’s entrants participating and competing at their respective local clubs thanks to the positive inclusive culture created by so many within the sport.
SDS thanks Sport Aberdeen for their continued significant support again this year and are very grateful to all the local officials and markers for their assistance with the preparations of the Championships.
It is very important for SDS to be a national body and events like this mean the national calendar is well-represented on a truly national basis. It is only in the positive partnerships fostered between SDS, Sport Aberdeen, local clubs and the volunteer sector that these events and experiences for our players become possible.