The 2019 Scottish Boccia Championships took place on Saturday 4 May 2019 at Napier University in Edinburgh.
The event saw the very best of Scottish talent compete for the opportunity to play against each other for the right to be crowned Scottish Champion and earn a place at the UK Championships, which will be held in Northern Ireland from 14 – 16 June 2019.
The BC1 and BC2 competition was combined, with results only against players within the same classification counting.
Following the pool stages, the BC1 final was contested by Reegan Stevenson (West) and Murray Mallice (Central). It was a tight affair, with Mallice taking a 2 shot lead into the final end. However, the ever improving Stevenson showed his experience by winning the final end by three shots and ultimately re-claiming his national title by a shot.
The BC2 competition was another well contested event. Following the pool stages, the final witnessed experienced Callum Glasgow (Central) come up against the returning Lewis McConnell (West), who was making his first appearance in four years in the competition. In a close encounter, it was McConnell who came out top to win his third national title. The bronze medal was taken by Innes Martin, who overcame the experienced Jim Anderson OBE.
The BC3 event is always strong with so many top players competing. Sadly, the competition was deprived of the opportunity to see World number 11 Patrick Wilson (East) in action, who had withdrawn from the competition on the day. Following the group stage, the predicted final saw world number 23, Scott McCowan (West) come head-to-head with his brother, and world number 2, Jamie McCowan (West). In a very close encounter, it was elder brother, Scott, who came out on top to earn the bragging rights to become national champion. The bronze medal match was contested by national squad players Sean McCann (East) and Hannah Craig (Tayside). In a fairly one sided match, Hannah was more consistent and claimed the bronze medal. A notable mention must go to newcomer, Ross MacNeil (West), who has vastly improved over the past few months and made a good account of himself in an extremely competitive class. One to watch in the future!
The BC4 competition has a history of being strong in Scotland and this year the standard was particularly high. Following a tough pool stage, the final was contested by World number 2, Stephen McGuire (West) and Rio 2016 Paralympian, Kieran Steer (Fife), who has recently returned to the sport following a break. Steer, who has never beaten McGuire in a competitive match, took a 2-0 lead after the first two ends. McGuire played a superb knock-on in the third to take a point, meaning it was 2-1 going into the last. Eventually, McGuire showed his experience by taking three points in a short end, winning the contest 4-2. Steer can be pleased with his performance and is getting back to his best. The bronze medal match was contested by relative newcomer, Tyler McLelland (Fife) and the more experienced Ross Munro (West). Although very completive, National player, Munro, showed his experience to come out on top.
Selections for the UK Championships will be made in the coming days.
Scottish Disability Sport (SDS)would like to pay thanks to Napier University and all the dedicated officials and volunteers who continue to support the event. We are also indebted to the Police Scotland Cadette volunteers who did a sterling job time-keeping and offering general support throughout.
For more information on the sport of boccia, please contact the SDS head office on admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com or 0131 317 1130.
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