When it comes to the sport of boccia Scotland delivers! The 2019 UK Boccia Championships took place from the 14 – 16 June 2019 in Antrim, Northern Ireland and the competition showcased the best players across the home countries within the BC1 – BC4 classification groups.
Scotland qualified eight players for the event but unfortunately 2016 Paralympian, and recent Hong Kong World Open silver medallist, Patrick Wilson (BC3), had to withdraw due to illness. The seven remaining players carried the flag with aplomb, showcasing their incredible talent throughout the weekend.
In the BC1 classification, Scotland’s only representative was the ever improving Reegan Stevenson, who topped his group to set up a semi-final with Daniel Wain (ENG). After a cagey affair he took 2 points in the final end to win 3-2 and set up a final against Paralympic Champion, David Smith (ENG). Smithy won the match 15-0 but Stevenson achieved his objective of retaining his silver medal for the first time at this level.
Lewis McConnell returned to represent Scotland in the BC2 competition after a four year break at this level. Whilst McConnell failed to win any of his pool matches, he put in some very good performances and will take that learning away as he continues his comeback to performance level boccia.
The McCowan brothers, Scott and Jamie, were once again present in the BC3 competition, along with their ramp assistants (and parents), Gary and Linda. Amongst the favourites for this competition, Jamie was looking to retain his UK individual title, whilst Scott, had already won the Scottish title, leading into this event. Scott came second in his pool, which meant he would face a more difficult semi-final, which on this occasion, was against his brother! Playing for family bragging rights the match was a very tight affair which saw Scott come from behind to win 4-3 and claim his place in the final, alongside dad, Gary. Jamie, and mother, Linda still had a chance for bronze.
In the 3rd/4th place play-off, Jamie McCowan seized the initiative early on against Will Arnott (ENG) and was in complete control, eventually winning 5-1 and taking the bronze medal. In the final, Scott a tougher proposition against England’s Matt Berry with the match ending 3-3. A tie break end was required and after winning the toss, Scott nailed the jack, putting him in control of the match. In the end he claimed the solitary point required to win his fourth British title – a joint record he holds alongside former Welsh player, Jacob Thomas.
Scotland had three representatives in the BC4 class with World number 2 Stephen McGuire, accompanied by Rio 2016 Paraympic teammate, Kieran Steer, who has returned to the sport following a break. They were joined by developing player and wildcard entrant, Ross Munro. There were six players in a round robin pool, with 1st and 2nd place competing for gold and 3rd and 4th for bronze.
McGuire topped the group, winning all of his matches to set up a final against Louis Saunders. In a very competitive match, McGuire’s experience shone through as he won the match 7-2 to retain his UK individual crown for a record 13th time. The BC4 championship has never been won by anyone from outside of Scotland!
Following a group stage tie between Evie Edwards (ENG), Kieran Steer and Ross Munro the official rule book was consulted to determine who went through to the medal match. It would come down to the matches between those three players only, with all other results not considered. Once the calculations had been ratified, it was Ross Munro and Evie Edwards who would compete for the medal. Whilst disappointing for Steer, he can be pleased with his performances on his return to this level.
Earlier in the day Munro had produced a controlled performance to defeat 2016 Paralympian, Evie Edwards, 7-1, and was therefore confident going into the match. It was to be a tighter affair with Evie taking the lead in the first end, but Munro battled back to eventually win the contest 6-3 and claim his first medal at a British Championships.
The overall result meant that Scotland topped the medal table by winning 5 of the 12 medals available, two of which were gold.
Scottish Disability Sport would like to thank our team of dedicated volunteers and coaches who support the players in both training and competition. We would also like to show our gratitude towards our colleagues at Disability Sport Northern Ireland (DSNI) for delivering an exceptional 2019 UK Championships.
Scottish Squad (Results)
BC1
Reegan Stevenson (Silver)
BC2
Lewis McConnell
BC3
Scott McCowan (Gold)
Jamie McCowan (Bronze)
Patrick Wilson
BC4
Stephen McGuire (Gold)
Ross Munro (Bronze)
Kieran Steer
Support Staff
Jen Barsby
Andrinne Craig
Peter McGuire
Gary Fraser
Madison Garland
Gary McCowan (Ramp Assistant)
Linda McCowan (Ramp Assistant)
Every result from the UK Championships can be viewed on our Twitter feed @SDS_Sport via the hashtag #ScottishBoccia.
For more information on the sport or to get involved, please contact Scottish Disability Sport on 0131 317 1130 or admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com
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