Saturday 26th October 2018 – [EN]GAGE Sports Centre, Napier University, Edinburgh
Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) were supported by local branch, Lothian Disability Sport (LDS) to deliver the annual Scottish Boccia Open Championships for players out with the bisfed classification, attracting around over 70 players to Edinburgh. This is a fantastic number and is the highest amount of entrants since the competition structure changed in 2014.
The event saw players from across Scotland, as well as entrants from England and Northern Ireland, compete in sections for players with a physical disability (Class A), players with a learning disability (class B, male and female) and a Junior section. The large entry allowed for some excellent competition throughout the day in all sections, providing players the opportunity to test themselves against players across the UK – some renewing old rivalries and some experiencing the competitive stage for the first time.
This competitive element was particularly evident in class B as numbers allowed for four groups in both male and female categories, meaning that the group winner only would qualify for the semi final stage. Dundee’s Sarah Bichard ended Lothian’s traditional dominance of this section with victory over Natalie Newby with Sarah’s clubmate Rebekah Perry claiming the bronze.
The male section witnessed some excellent boccia played with Hayden Keir from Dumfries & Galloway declared the champion following victory over Kirkrigg’s Calum Thomson in the final. James Muirhead (also from Kirkriggs) completed the podium positions. It is fantastic to see the players who have typically played in the junior section progressing to medal positions in the senior section, proving that there is very strong players competing around the country ready to make the next step.
Class A provided a slightly more UK-wide feel as entrants from England and Northern Ireland supplemented the entry from across Scotland. Multiple-winner Derek Sked (England) replicated the form he’s shown in the past three years to make it all the way to the final – but only by winning a tie-break against Lothian’s Jim Anderson in a closely contested semi-final. Lothian’s Heather Nicolson beat West of Scotland’s Fiona Muirhead in the other semi-final.
Heather Nicolson had her maiden victory at these championships and returned the title to Scotland by defeating Derek Sked in the final on yet another tie-break. Fiona Muirhead claimed victory over Jim Anderson to secure the bronze medal.
A strong junior category resulted in Kirkrigg’s Michael Gilhooly winning gold by defeating Dundee’s Cameron Millar in the final. Forth Valley’s Ryan Flynn won the bronze by winning the play-off against Dumfries & Galloway’s Stephen Hoyle.
The championships were supported superbly by the staff at [EN]GAGE who provided an excellent environment for players to express themselves on the court. Thanks is also extended to the dedicated and knowledgeable band of officials who allowed the day to run smoothly from start to finish alongside Jack Brodie from Lothian Disability Sport. Lastly, the clubs, coaches and players continue to support the event in their numbers and continue to produce the performances that seem to make the event a greater success each year.
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