Sunday 21st August 2016
Longniddry Bowling Club
Longniddry Bowling Club welcomed a number of new players to this year’s annual Lothian Disability Sport Lawn Bowls Championships, providing the stage for many individuals with a physical disability or sensory impairment to showcase their undoubted talent on the green. The competition attracted three new players from Edinburgh and the Borders to compete alongside some of the more experienced campaigners on the disability bowls circuit and the result was some excellent shots and some very tight and entertaining matches.
The event saw an increase of 27% on last year’s number and this is an area that the branch is extremely keen to develop. Although the competition received some withdrawals on the day, the organisers were able to draw two groups of players, resulting in some enthralling bowls. Last year’s Section 5 winner Carole Martin (Longniddry Bowling Club) was matched with two newcomers this year in Mike Nicoll (Jedburgh Bowling Club) and Mary Wilson (Fife) and although played well throughout, was pipped to first and second by Nicoll and Wilson respectively. Robert Kelly, the East Lothian bowler, continued his incredible record at the competition as he claimed his third successive title in the combined section without dropping any points on route to victory. However, he was pushed all the way by Alex Philips (Sighthill Bowling Club) and Gary Clelland (Bellsburn Bowling Club). Philips was competing at this first LDS competition and has only been bowling from a Bradshaw Buggy for a number of weeks, highlighting the potential he has in the sport.
The club once again provided hospitality that was second to none with President Mike Carey and Treasurer George Anderson on hand throughout the day to assist with setting the green up, marking ties and all round support for all players involved. A special mention to the club members who also provided the wonderful assistance serving lunch, teas, coffees and cakes. Additionally, many thanks to all LDS committee members who supported on the day and in the lead up to the event.
Bowls in the Lothian region is exciting at the moment, with the increase in numbers attending local opportunities to the recent appointment of the East Lothian Indoor Bowls Coordinator. This post holder will work closely with Lothian Disability Sport to increase awareness of local and national opportunities in the sport and engage more players from the region. If you have a disability and you are interested in the sport, please get in touch for more information – admin@lothiandisabilitysport.co.uk or 0131 475 2364.