The 2008 Bowling Season Update
CLOSING DAY
Saturday October 4th saw the 2008 bowling season draw to a close and the weather was as disappointing as it had been for most of the season. However, it was dry enough in periods to allow the annual Treasurer (Jim Bathgate) v Secretary (Bob Bain) game to take place and it was the Treasurer's team who made a good account of themselves to win the day. Jim's team consisted of skips Gordon Wilson and Ronnie Scott whilst Bob was 'backed up' (?) by Bob Lee and Roy Campbell. I believe the final scoreline was not a close affair, although maybe conveniently, the report is all a bit sketchy due to the large amounts of alcohol consumed on the day.
Congratulations to all the winners from 2008 season and commiseration to the losers, although by playing and taking part in the many competitions throughout the year, we hope you all enjoyed yourselves and do not consider yourself to be a loser, being amongst friends in your own club means we are all winners.
We hope to see you all at Presentation of Prizes night on Friday 14th November, or at one of the many functions we will be having throughout the winter months, which will again see your club move forward with more refurbishments which should be ready, some before Christmas, and some certainly in time for the new 2009 season.
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THE LAND DOWN UNDER
This particular piece is appearing out of sequence to the season's events, but better late than never I suppose.
During the season, yours truly was contacted through our web site, by some gentlemen from Australia, who were visiting our city and were looking for a 'friendly' game of bowls. I suggested that they could not have come to a better place for such an event and an invitation was extended to them to meet up at the Northern. Ian Bryden and his three friends arrived to take on our lads comprising of Alex Young, Gus McKenzie, Jim Reid and Jimmy Martin, and it turned out two of the lads from 'down under' were actually ex-pat Scots from Falkirk and Glasgow. On a very warm and sunny day, the Northern green was running fast, or so our lads thought, however the Aussie rink were having trouble handling the 'heavy' conditions and were finding it difficult to reach the 'head'. Our 'auld heids' gave our guests a bit of 'going over' on the green but Ian and the lads left the Northern 'full of the joys of life' as one might say and with an open invitation for any Northern member to join them in a 'return' match if we are ever visiting Western Australia.
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LIKE FATHER LIKE SON
I personally cannot remember the Northern having a Junior singles title so it was absolutely fantastic to see young Darren Prentice and Angus Inwood to the green on Saturday to play off for the honour of representing the Northern in next years Scottish Junior Singles. The weather was kind to the lads but unfortunately, a late change of rink was required due to the damage to the heads on the intended rink 3, the wet weather has seen our green taking a hammering. Back to the youngsters though and it was Darren Prentice who got off the flyer as he led 4-0 and 8-2 before Angus hit back. A single, a three then a double for Angus peeled the game at 8-8 and it looked like a tight game was in progress. However, Darren started to find his weight a bit better and replied to Angus with 3-1-2-4 to take the match to 18-8. A single and double to Angus got him into double figures but Darren was not to be outdone and he answered that with his own double and single to take the Junior singles title 21-11, exactly the same scoreline that his 'Auld Man' had won the Championship with earlier in the season. As far as I am aware, this is the very first time Father & Son have held the Championship & Junior titles at the Northern and these Prentice's are becoming pests. (only kidding lads, very well done to you both). Although Angus will be disappointed at not winning, he has a lovely delivery of a bowl and once his tactical knowledge of the game improves, he will be one to watch in the future. Darren now has his first title under his belt, and on the day, was a well deserved winner with his more consistant weight being telling factor. Congratulations to Darren and Commiserations to Angus but with these two lads playing, the Northern Bowling Club will be the ultimate winner, well done lads.
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A PROPER CHARLIE
The final of the Charlie Kinnear 2 bowl singles took place on Saturday and it was the second time in as many weeks that Ian Miller had appeared in a TWO Bowl Final having succumbed to Andy Irving in the delayed match from the start of the season. This time around Ian's opponent was Harry Hastie, who had a comfortable victory over young Mike Burns in the semi-final. Harry took the first two ends with a single shot in each before Ian replied and in a tight early part of the game, peels were called at 4, 7, 9 and again at eleven. Having been 11-9 down, Ian took 4 doubles in 5 ends and with a single added to make it 17-11, Ian went on to take the Kinnear Trophy 21-13 and claim a singles title that he had been knocking on door at for most of the season.
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BEST FOOT FORWARD
The past week saw the Northern complete our 'Friendly' season with a convincing 105 - 50 win over our friends from the West, Croftfoot. It was also pointed out to me that our President, Willie Porterfield, won the Pennies as highest rink up so this should ensure Willie's appearance at Presentation of Prizes night. Willie also mentioned to me that this win meant the Northern had suffered only ONE defeat throughout the season in our 'Friendly' fixtures so a very good season was had by the lads, let's hope we can take that into the league campaign for 2009.
In the consolation trophy donated by President Willie, Phil Rae was the man to lift this trophy as he defeated Max Inwood in the final.
STAN UP AND BE COUNTED
With Stan Christie starting off with a handicap of -4 against Jim Bathgate's Scr, the Final of the PRESIDENT's competition looked like it was going to be a close affair. And this is exactly how it started off and with the score at 7-6 in Stan's favour the game looked evenly balanced. However, having already overcome his handicap marking at this stage, Stan eventually took control and went on to win in convincing fashion.
In a much delayed game right from the early part of the season, Ian Miller and Andy Irving finally got round to playing the Final of the Two Bowl Singles. It took almost the whole season for the lads to arrange this match and it was Andy Irving who once again showed his class in the singles by overpowering Ian and adding this trophy to his already impressive haul of singles titles.
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PRESIDENTS ELECT
The final of the Presidents/Handicap singles competition will take place betwen Jim Bathgate and Stan Christie on Monday 15th Sept. With nights drawing in as the season nears it's end, an early start is required and the lads are out at 6.00pm, if anyone wants to watch this final. In the Willie Porterfield competition, which is now in its 2nd year, Phil Rae takes on Max Inwood on a date as yet to be arranged. We are still at the quarter final stage of the 2 bowl Kinnear trophy, although closing date for this round is virtually upon us.
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RYDER CUP SUCCESS
The now annual Ryder Cup, which has replaced our 'Mash' day was a bit rain delayed on the Sunday, however it eventually went ahead with the STARLETS, captained by Allan Mitchell, playing against the BALD EAGLES, captained by none other than Roy Campbell, in two teams of eight. With the early Singles & Pairs being reversed after the mid match break for the buffet, it was Allan Mitchell and his STARLETS who came through as eventual winners over the BALD EAGLES by 24 - 18. Thanks go to Bobby Lee for organising this fun day and for his sponsorship of the event. Bob has apparently said he is happy to continue his sponsorship for next season and again big thanks to Bob for this generous gesture.
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INVITATION PAIRS
Rather disappointingly, especially after the success of last year, we were unable to boast a full house competition this year and a late call off left Matches Secretary Roy having to do a wee re-draw. Despite this though, the weather stayed fair for those who did make the effort and with the five sections winners and best three runners up going into the quarter finals, there was almost as many pairs going through as going out, needless to say, yours truly was one who took an early bath. Although the rain stayed away, we were hit with one almighty gust of wind during the qualifying part. The wind was so strong that it actually blew Jimmy Henderson's bowl away off course and into the rink next door. Jim seemed to be the only one who suffered this fate though and those who witnessed this are adamant there was no wind at all and it was a 'wrong bias' by Jimmy, but he sticks to the wind theory (aye right Jim, keep the wee bit to the inside mate). Unaffected by this, Jim and partner Ross Marwick (Inveresk) went on to not only qualify but lift the trophy itself when they beat Sub George Prentice and Norrie Stenton from Burntisland. Stan Christie was the original partner of Norrie but Stan had to go off during the quarter finals after slipping and pulling a hamstring. Fortunately George had not played so far and was a good replacement, but just not good enough to beat Jimmy Henderson and partner Ross Marwick, well done lads.
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THE FOUR TOPS OF THE HIL SON
The last SBA qualifying competition was played out on Tuesday night when Brian Miller, Bob Lee, Roy Campbell & Shuggie Hilson took on John Young, Mike.J. Burns, Jim Henderson and Mike Burns in what was a partial re-run of the Triples final. The early exchanges were pretty evenly matched with every player contributing their bit and at the half way stage, Shuggie's lads held a narrow 7-6 after 9 ends. However this was as close as this encounter was going to be and with the score moving on to 10-6, Shuggie played what was to prove to be the winning bowl of the match. With the head changing constantly as Brian, John, Bob & young Mike J. constantly playing telling bowls, Roy missed the white by the proverbial hair on what looked like the perfectly played shot as his bowl straigthened past the Jack.With Burns sitting with one in his favour, Shuggie played a timed runner on his forehand and where Roy's bowl had held past the white, Shuggie's bigger drawing bowl got the desired reaction and trailed the white into the ditch for 5 shots. Without doubt, Shuggie was 'in the zone' tonight and you didn't need all your fingers one hand to count his non contributing bowls in this game. Drawing shots on forehand or backhand, chap and lie, driving bowls, running bowls into the ditch to cut the shots against down, the man played them all. He was very ably backed up by his partners who were giving him good position bowls throughout the game. It was not as though John, Mike, J, Jim and Mike were playing badly, far from it, on another night or against different opponents, they may well have been in command themselves, but all credit has to go to Brian, Bob, Roy and the 'ZONE' man Shuggie, who gave a fantastic display of 'Skipping' and the lads thoroughly deserved to go on and win the Final with and end to spare, and in reality probably two ends to spare.
Congratulations then to Brian Miller, Bob Lee, Roy Campbell and Shuggie Hilson and commiseration to John, in pareticular Mike J who was appearing in his first, club SBA Final, Jim and Mike.
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TRIPLE TREAT
Brian Miller, Hugh Hilson, and Gordon Wilson took on John Young, Jimmy Henderson and Mike Burns, who were defending their title, in the SBA Triples final on Saturday afternoon. The defending champions did not get off to a good start though as Brain, Shuggie and Gordon won the first four ends to take a 5-0 lead. However, a single at the 5th end for Burns and the lads allowed them to alter tactics and put in a short length Jack and the holders eventually dragged themselves in front at 7-5 after 9 ends. This was another great game of bowls though and Gordon and his boys took a single to narrow it back to a one shot difference and just when it looked like going to peels at seven, a desperate drive shot from Burns got a fortunate result to steal the shot. This followed up with a two and another single and with two ends remaining, Burns, Henderson and Young now held a 5 shot advantage. Some very good lead bowls from John was followed up by Jimmy to leave Shuggie facing 4 shots against as he took to the mat and Gordon called for the 'burn'. However Shuggie was off target with his three attempts and it didn't look good for the challangers. As Mike failed to cover the angles for a possible movement of the Jack, Gordon got a wee lucky off a side bowl and took the Jack out wide to turn the head in his favour. Another poor bowl from Burns allowed Gordon to draw a 2nd but this time it looked like Mike had played the perfect 'chap and lie' or even a turn on the white but as is bowls, it found a hole that didn't look there. It left Gordon with what looked an easy draw for three and take this game into a nervy climax but a poor attempt left his last bowl way short and Burns and boys had got a good break. Three up going into last is never a safe position however John Young had played two crackers to take the pressure off and once again it left Shuggie with only a 'hit shot' to take the Jack into the ditch where Brian had two of his bowls close to. Unfortunately for them, both Shuggie and Gordon failed and John, Jim and Mike had defended their title successfully, with this being the third year in a row where Mike had been involved in a winning triple.
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ANOTHER SENIOR MOMENT
Huge congratulations go to our Seniors who have yet again brought back the TOP TEN Trophy to the Northern. Playing against Leith at the Maitland, our lads managed to scrape home by a 3 shot margin overall as the game ended 2 wins apiece. This is the 7th victory in eight years in this competition for the Northern Seniors, the only time they have lost this title in that time was again in the final, and believe it or not, that particular final was played at the Northern.
Well done gentlemen, you do the Northern Bowling Club Proud.
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WHAT A GREAT PAIR - FINAL GOES DOWN TO THE WIRE
The club SBA Pairs final was concluded on an unsually lovely Wednesday night (where was that sun all season?) Harry Hastie & Jim Bathgate took on John Young & Mike Burns. Mike was out to try and atone for his horrendous 'no show' performance in the Championship Final and a 3 at the first end got John & Mike off to a good start. However, this turned out to be the 'Kill' of the evening as the four players turned this final into a fantastic game of bowls. Peels 2 end later, Mike & John managed to pull away into a 9-3 lead but this was never a comfortable lead with both Harry & Jim playing some brilliant stuff and those watching were being treated to high class game. After 14 ends the game peeled again 11-11 and it was now anybody's final to win. Bowls a foot away were not going to be in the count as the four players continually 'cuddled' the jack end after end. A single followed up by a pair meant Mike & John took a 3 shot lead into the last end, however even this was under major threat as Harry played three beauty's to beat John's bowl, yes, only a foot away. As both skips early bowls tried desperately to alter the final head in their favour, Mike drew his third attempt in amongst the head and it looked like it may have been enough to gain the crucial 2nd or 3rd shot. Jim Bathgate could not afford to take the risk of a measure and his final bowl of the final end of the incredible final looked on to turn Mike's bowl through to lie game, however, unfortunately for Jim & Harry, it moved the Jack, leaving John & Mike a definite 2nd shot and the game was won with only one bowl to spare.
This really was a fantstaic game of bowls to be involved in and Harry & Jim must be wondering how they lost it. Nobody deserved to lose such a high quality final but such is sport and there always has to be a winner and loser. As John & Mike were never headed throughout the game, they may just have done enough to be deserved winners but huge consolation has to go to the runners up Harry Hastie & Jim Bathgate.
In other bowling news, Andy Irving continued his remarkable singles record by beating Roy Campbell in the Presidents handicap and reaching the semi-final stage where he will now face Jim Bathgate who beat Mike Morrison. The bottom half of the draw was also complete as Stan Christie beat Bobby Lee and Ian Miller overcame Jimmy Martin.
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SOLID AS A ROC
The Wardie Invitation Fours took place on Sunday and the Northern was well represented. Not only was it a good turnout from some of our lads, we also went away with the winners trophy (and prize money) with a rink that included Roy Campbell, Bob Lee, Bob Bain & Gary Largue . In a Round Robin event, Roy's lads won every game, despite being down 3 at the last end on one game and two at another last end, the boys scoring a 4 & 3 respectively to rescue a result. All in all, the lads won a total of SEVEN games and were very deserved winners and congratlualtions go to each of them.
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THREE AND NOT SO EASY
The line up for the Triples final was complete when Shuggie Hilson, Gordon Wilson and Brian Miller, who was subbing for Stan Christie as Stan had to go back into hospital (take care Stan & get well soon) finally managed to overcome their opponents which included Ian Miller and Jimmy Porter. Three shots down going into the last end, Shuggie's triple managed to come up trumps by scoring FOUR and edging their way into the final.
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DEAN AND DUSTED
The Jackie Christie Invitation Triples. sponsored for a 2nd year by Whyte & MacKay, came to it's conclusion on Sunday and the sun shone brightly on the righteous, and a few others as well. The Northern had 3 Triples qualifying to the quarter Final stages and they were also joined by Stan Christie's triple, who played under the Whyte & MacKay banner, and it was good see brother Edwin making it a good day for the Christie family. Unfortunately, only Roy Campbell's three, which included Kenny Dixon & Allan Mitchell, made it through to the semi-final stage and the lads interest was ended by the eventual winners, the Dean, who beat the triple from Parkside in the Final to lift the Whyte & MacKay sponsored Jackie Christie Invitation Triples.
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CLUB SCOTTISH NEARS COMPLETION
As we hit mid August, and with the club Championship already completed, it is left now to the Pairs, Triples and Fours, which have all reached at least the semi-final stages. The Pairs final will be contested between Harry Hastie & Jim Bathgate who face John Young & Mike Burns, who managed to come through their semi-final against Robbie Paterson & Garry Harrison. This means Mike has now reached the Final of all four major SBA club competitions, whilst John Young has made it through to 3 out of the four, quite some achievement for both these lads. The other Triple and Fours semi-final hace still to be played Shuggie Hilson competing in both of these.
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THE END OF THE LEAGUE SEASON
Due to the postponement of the last league matches of the season from the previous week, as the typical Scottish summer took its toll on the greens, Our first XVI travelled up to Liberton to fullfil their last fixture of the season. The lads arrived at Liberton with hopes of a big result to keep our promotion hopes alive but before a bowl was rolled, news was received that London Road Foundry had already secured 2nd position with a 7-2 victory the previous night over Summerside. Whether this took the wind out of their sails or not remains to be seen but it turned into a disappointing night all round as the heavy rain throughout the day had made the green tricky and heavy. Only Shuggie Hilson managed to secure the ponts as the lads went down 7-2 and whilst this result had no affect on ourselves, I believe it secured the home clubs status in the 3rd division for next season.
The 2nd XVI finished their season with a 4.5 points draw against Goldenacre who ended up 2nd and in the promotion spot, with our lads coming a slightly disappointing 4th after a great start to the season.
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A GREAT CASE FOR THE DEFENCE
The premier competition of the bowling season, the singles Championship, took place on Friday Aug 1st between Holder George Prentice and twice runner up Mike Burns but it was not to be third time lucky for Burns as George won in a rather one sided encounter. Despite getting off to a 4-1 lead, Mike was never happy in the heavy conditions that all the recent heavy rain had caused and it was George who settled into his game quickly and after turning the deficit round, a FOUR followed to take him into a commanding lead. At 11-7 Mike was lying two beauty's on a full length white but George came up with his final bowl and trailed the Jack into ditch to turn the end to in his favour. This was probably the winning shot of the game as Mike never recovered and George went from strength to strength and eventually ran out a very well deserved winner at 21-11 and the defence of his title was complete.Congratulations to George for joining a very elite band of bowlers in the Northern who have managed to go out and defend their Championship, and for Mike, well there's always next year as they say.
George Prentice, V.P Garry Harrison & Mike Burns George proudly holds the trophy he defended
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MAKING A POINT
As the 2008 league season gets down to the wire, Summerside first XVI were the visitors and with the Northern being Four points 2nd place London Rd Foundry with only two games to go, an absolute minimum seven points were required to keep alive our hopes of sneaking the last promotion place. And seven points it was as victories for Mike Burns, George Prentice and Shuggie Hilson's rinks secured the necessary target. Thanks to some brilliant lead bowling from Jimmy Henderson and backed up by Jim McKenna and Graham Prentice, Burns rink won in a canter and, remarkably, were even first off the green. George Prentice rink of brother Jim, Walter Murray and Bob Lee won even more comfortably and the aggregate was secured early on. A hard fought win for Hilson's boys of Andy Irving, John Young and Allan Mitchell, who were equally remarkably LAST off the green, gave us the seven but despite a tremendous fightback by Gordon Wilson's lads, who had managed to sneak one shot in front going into the last, the boys unfortunately lost a 2 and the points and the much yearned for 9 disappeared by the narrowest of margins. However, with LRF winning 6-3, their points advantage was cut to just three points and with the Northern having a significant SHOTS advantage, it is not impossible for this to be overturned in the last week of the season.
The 2nd XVI returned from the Maitland with a 5-4 victory under their belts and although the two defeated rinks lost narrowly, it looks like this is not going to be enough to keep interest going into the final week, although never say never.
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THE FINAL COUNTDOWN
Monday July 28th was Championship Semi-Final day when the green was given over to the four lads who had made it through to this stage. Robert Bell turned up as the probable 'underdog' to face holder George Prentice, who was putting up a stout defence of his title, but those who have witnessed the form of Bobby this season knew the underdog tag was not necessarily a merited one. And so it proved as Bobby and George went head to head, toe to toe in a fantastic battle on the green. The early exchanges saw peels at 3 then a 7-6 lead for Bobby vanished as he got stuck on 7 as George picked up 8 unanswered shots to go 11-7 in front himself. Many a weaker man may have folded under the pressure from the Holder but Bobby fought back to peel at 11, then again at 12 and 17 in what was turning into a Titanic struggle with both players playing some great bowls. Bobby sneaked in front at 19-17 and George's crown looked as though it was slipping badly but a great conversion shot to take a three to 20 and a single at the next end showed the True Grit of the Champion and George nudged his crown firmly back on top of his head and looked forward to his second final in as many years.
The second Semi-Final between Mike Burns and Graham Prentice maybe didn't reach the same standard as the other one but it was still a keenly contested nervy affair. Victories for Graham and George would have seen the first ever Championship final at the Northern played between two brothers and this maybe added a little to the pressure of the evening. Graham was first off the mark and took an early 4-1 lead but Burns fought back to peel at 5 and then again 6, before deciding that the tactic for this evening was to give the Jack away and have last bowl. This seemed to be paying off as Mike took a commanding looking 14-7 lead, with thanks to a wee lucky which saw his tight running bowl flick his short bowl to convert the head from one against two in his favour. An excellent 3, which saw each of his bowls in a perfect line with the Jack and no more than 6 inches away, moved Mike to within touching distance of the Final at 17-9 but Graham answered this in perfect style by taking a full house 4 himself at the next end to bring the game right back into the melting pot at 17-13 and it was now anybody's game. A double at the next end for Mike took him to 19 and with Graham lying one shot an attempted 'chap & lie' for game by Mike just failed to make contact with the shot bowl. However, it was game over at the next end as Mike lay one shot after the Jack was chipped back, drew in a beauty to sit game and Graham's last bowl ran through the head without affecting the position.
So the Premier competition of the Northern Bowling Club this year will be played on Friday, August 1st at 7.00pm between defending Champion George Prentice and Mike Burns, who is appearing in his third Championship final but has yet to get his hands on the trophy. Could it be third time lucky for Burns or will George go into the record books as one of the few who have successfully defended their title? An interesting evening awaits.
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THE SEASON PROGRESSES
This week saw the Championship singles, the club's premier competition, progress to the semi-final stage. With George Prentice already there and waiting, he was finally joined by his brother Graham, Robert Bell and Mike Burns. Graham was involved in a cracker with Jim Taylor as Jim took a commanding early lead and was a strong 13-1 in front. However Graham can never be written off and a wonderful fightback saw him eventually reach 21 and a place in the semi-final. Bobby Bell continued his impressive form as he took on Stan Christie and finished Stan's interest in this years Championship with a 21-19 victory. It was left to Mike Burns and Gordon Wilson to complete the line up on the final closing day of the round. Gordon had kindly postponed the earlier arranged date due to Burns whining about him 'not being very well' the poor wee sole. Burns showed no sign of this illness on the night (was he hard at it?) and went on to beat Gordon and reach the semi-final himself where he will play Graham Prentice.
The Edinburgh Knockout cup also took place on Thursday and with Gordon Wilson losing in the singles the previous week, it was left to Andy Irving and Ian Miller in the pairs, Jim Prentice Ian McDonald and Shuggie Hilson in the Triples and the rink of Jim Henderson, Harrie Hastie, Roy Campbell and Allan Mitchell in the fours, to carry the flag for the Northern. Whilst Andy & Ian went down in the pairs, both the Triples and Fours made it through to the next round, which will be in a fortnight due to a blank week next week.
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NOT ALL BLACK
As the first XVI paid a visit to Blackhall this week, we all new that the very minimum requirement points wise was to come away with seven. Thankfully this was what the lads managed to achieve but it was a very close run thing. Gordon Wilson's rink was well up and in control from an early stage, as was George Prentice and his boys, which secured us 5 early points as their scores settled the aggregate in our favour early, such was their margin of victory. Strangely, Mike Burns rink was not last off, (they must have started about an hour earlier than the others then) but this was the one defeat that we could barely cope with as two losses in ends 15 & 16 meant they had no chance. And so it was left to Shuggie Hilson, last off (he must have started at 8.00pm to be last off) to battle for the last points. In a very close game, the lads went into the last end one down. With shot and game against, Allan Mitchell played two superb bowls to turn the head and game in our favour and Blackhall skip George Kirk failed to alter the setting and a huge two points were added to our score. Well done everybody for the fighting spirit and performance that keeps our season alive as London Road Foundry went down 5-4 to Niddrie to bring us within 4 points of promotion with two games to go.
The 2nd XVI went down 5-4 at the Northern, having two rinks down, one peeled, and the aggregate went for us.
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ALL MIXED UP
The Northern 'Mixed Pairs' kindly and generously sponsored by Angus & Alison McKenzie, took place on Sunday and a very encouraging entry of 20 pairs participated in this popular and fast growing competition. From only 8 pairs in the first year only three years, the hard work done by Roy Campbell and the support of both members and non members, is turning this into a competitive and fun event. The ladies who played were from various 'bowling backgrounds' Rita Reid, Zandra Kinnear and Cathy Young amongst the ladies who actually are bowlers in their own right, to Julie Young, Liz Lee and Josie Inwood who had never rolled a bowl in their lives. With five sections, all the winners and the best three runners up went into the quarter final stages. Again the 'mix' was good with lady bowlers qualifying along with 'non' bowlers in Alison Campbell, Liz Lee and Lesley Burns. And indeed it was the latter who ended up winning the competition as Lesley and Mike Burns beat Cathy and Alex Young in a good final. Cathy and Alex had lost in the final at Queensberry the previous day and were a bit knackered by the time the Burnses played them but, much to the delight of Lesley and Mike, this might just have been enough to throw them out of their rhythm and they paid the price for two long days. So it was Mike and Lesley who walked away with the incredible prize money of £100, again this is thanks to Alison & Gus McKenzie's sponsorship, but the big thanks goes to everyone who took part in a fantastic day at the club and for Roy & Alison Campbell for organising it and feeding us all too.
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SEVEN UP
League leaders Niddrie visited the Northern in week eleven and although our record against them is very good, we still desperately needed a victory to at least keep in touch with the promotion places as the season nears its end. And victory it was as wins by George Prentice, Gordon Wilson and Mike Burns rinks gave us a good seven points, with only Shuggie Hilson's rink narrowly failing to complete the maximum. As per usual, Shuggie was first off, going down by 15-10 in a game where they appeared to be always just behind, but never out of it. Gordon Wilson and his lads secured our first two points of the evening in a game which was tight all the way until the last few ends, where they managed to pull away to a comfortable 18-9 win. George Prentice was involved in another ding dong battle and it went right to last bowl. One down going into the last end, George drew his first bowl to lie two shots and with nothing disturbing the head after, it was left to Niddrie skip Pete Grantham to save the day for them. Thankfully for us, Pete's bowl ran enough through the head to give George a very welcom two points. The usual late late show of Mike Burns rink still had about three ends to play by the time everybody else was in the clubhouse eating their pies, and no, there were no burnt ends. However, slow as he might be, Burnses boys pulled through by 19-16, this despite losing a six at one end to send them two shots behind. The lads stuck in though and it was a very solid front end performance by Phil Rae and Brian Miller who led the way. The fine recovery from that loss of six meant that they only had to avoid losing a five at the last end to secure the points and they did this comfortably.
The news from the second XVI was not as encouraging as a visit to Postal only gave them a return of ONE point, although by all accounts, this could quite easily have been a reversal 2/3rds of the way through the game as they sat three rinks at peel and one up.
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FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
A very difficult tie against Div 2 Corstorphine was too much for our lads to handle in this years TOP TEN. Hit with holidays and a late call off due to illness, the selectors once again had their work cut out but the lads who did represent the Northern certainly tried their best. However, despite this, it was another early bath in a competition that has not been kind to us over the past few years.
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HANDY ANDY'S A BOBBY DAZZLER
The Bobby Locke trophy was put up for grabs on a gloriously sunny Sunday afternoon with defending champion Jim Bathgate kicking off with a fine display and victory against Mike Burns. As the day progressed we eventually got down to the four sem-finalists where singles specialist Andy Irving faced Mike Burns and it was Andy who came out on top, gaining revenge for his championship defeat by Burns earlier in the week. In the other semi-final, Brian 'the bowler' Miller (yes Brian is more than just our barman) faced up to Bobby Lee in a very interesting encounter. Brian was leading by 6 shots with two end to go and contrived to lose two 3's to Bob to take it into an extra end. However, Brian eventually came good and went through to face Andy in the final. Mr Irving is a very difficult man to beat in these tournaments and so it proved once again as he really took care of Brian in convincing fashion. Commiserations to Brian and congratulations to Andy in winning this fabulous trophy for the 3rd time in four years. A big thank you to everyone who played in this and to Roy Campbell for his usual superb organistation of both the tournament and the food. One small disappointment on the day was the relatively low turnout of members for this competition. This is debateably the finest singles competition outside of the club championship and the trophy itself is an amazing looking trophy. We would encourage as many members as possible to enter this next year as it is certainly well worth winning.
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CUP OF CHEER
Well, who would have believed it, we actually managed to win a game in an extenernal competition. Our record over the past few years has been nothing to write home about and considering the amount of call offs the selectors had to contend with, even getting 12 to represent the club was a major task. However, the 'dirty double dozen' who turned up to play at home and at Blackhall came through with flying colours and all credit to them. The three rinks at home won very comfortably and set us up well for the lads away to do the biz. Although Gordon Wilson's rink struggled throughout their game, Mike Burns rink was always in command, thanks to a fantastic display of lead bowling from Jimmy Martin and John Young at third, with Bob Meldrum contributing when needed. With Allan Mitchell's rink involved in a right good game, but always in front, the wheels came off at the last end when they lost a three to lose the game by a shot. Fortunately Burnses boys held their nerve and only needed to avoid losing a six at the last end to see the club through to the next round where we face div one hot shots Pilrig this Friday. Well done everyone, the winning feeling is great.
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AN INCH REALLY DOES MATTER
Despite the old saying, when it comes to bowls, an Inch really does matter. As the first XVI travelled to London Road Foundry, the club we have been trying to play catch up with all season, we really needed a victory to give us good league position for the remaining games. However, injuries and suspensions (well holidays rather) hit us big style this week and the hoped for victory turned into a 7-2 defeat, leaving us an uphill battle in the last four games. Gordon Wilson stepped in as skip for Graham Prentice but on what looked like a very tricky rink, the lads didn't really threaten to win their game. The normally reliable Shuggie Hilson's rink also went down despite their very best efforts and with George Prentice managing to secure two points for us, it was left to the usual last rink on the green to try and salvage something from the night. Mike Burns rink was heading for a solid defeat until a short white tactic late on gave us some hope. 14-5 down, it was all square at 14's going into the last end. Jim McKenna absolutely nailed the white with the first bowl, only for a fortunate flick to nudge it and left LRF lying game. Attempts by Phil Rae and Jim Henderson couldn't alter things but gave us good back position. Mike's first bowl was 'naewhere' but again gave good back position and the bowls were well mixed. Mike's last bowl was slight high, got a fortunate lick moved shot bowl and Jack and it was in the lap of the Gods where the white finished now. Unfortunately, it did not fall well for the Northern and the game was lost, another inch of movement on the Jack would have made all the difference, but it was not to be. A very crucial piece of misfortune could end just being the difference being promotion or another season in Div 3. However the Fat Lady has not yet appeared on stage and there is plenty left to fight for.
The seconds faired a little better but still lost 5-4. Wins for a much depleted side went to Roy Campbell and stand in skip, Garry Harrison. Thoughts go to Stan Christie who was taken into hospital the night before, get well soon Stan
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THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT
Sunday 6th was the now annual ADULT/JUNIOR tournament at the Northern and it was good to see some Northern representation there. Stevie Raeburn had purchased the smallest bowls in the world and it was fantastic to see him and son Lewis, undoubtably the youngest ever player to play for the Northern, represent us, well done to them both. Stan Christie was also there with Sarah and Allan had managed to drag up another pair of 'greys' to allow him to partner young Angus Inwood. It was Allan and Angus in fact who did best for our club, qualifying from their section and only losing to eventual winners P. J Smith and his young partner in the semi-final. Huge thanks go to the Maitland bowling club who provided EIGHT pairs for our competition. Big thanks also to Allan Mitchell who stepped in late on to help run the show on the day, which allowed Roy to venture elsewhere and take his punishment there, serves you right.
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ALLAN WHERE'S YER TROOSERS?
Saturday July 5th see the lads cross the puddle again for a visit to Dunfermline. It was another wet and miserbale day but this did not stop the boys from coming away with yet another 'friendly' victory to add to the many already achieved this season. However, despite our victory over the Dunfermline lads, it is they who can claim they gave the Northern lads a damn good trousering. Well maybe not all the Northern Lads, just ONE in particular really. With the green being a bit wet and slippy, Allan Mitchell was unfortunate enough to slip up badly, although it was his feet rather than his bowls this time. Allan lost his footing and down he went, only for the wet conditions to end up soaking his rear end and most of the rest of his bottom clothing. Allan luckily had his waterproof bottoms with him and decided to change into them whilst he left his 'greys' on a radiator drying. A very sensible move by Mr Mitchell, sensible that is, until he went to retrieve said troosers as the were nowhere to be seen. Well, once again, that's not strictly true either as someone pointed to the Dunfermline flagpole where the club flag should have been, only to see a pair of grey trousers flying high at the top of the mast, it could only happen to Allan. It seems there was no one there able to retrieve the trousers and Allan had to travel home in his waterproofs. Hopefully there will be a photo or two to follow this story of Allan ending up 'legless' again.
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TO THE FOUR AGAIN
With both the first and the second XVI's playing against Brunstane this week, it looked like we had returned to the old 'North West League' routine. The firsts were the visitors at the lovely setting that is Brunstane, however our result did not match setting as we came away with another defeat and Four points. Shuggie Hilson's rink was again the winners of the first two points but the Prentice boys of George and Graham could not quite match this. This was left to Mike Burns rink, as usual last off the green, and the threat beforehand of 'If ye dinnae win this week Burns, it's back to the Brown shoes' was enough to scare Burns and the lads into action to secure the last two points. There was still a glimmer of hope to secure the win at the last end but great bowlos by the opposition skip, Colin Bell, and a horrendous attempt at the 'burn' by Burns, with his last bowl, meant the aggregate went to Brunstane.
The 2nd's faired no better at home and a dissapointing 2-7 loss was reported from the Northern.
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TWO's COMPANY
The first round proper of the club SBA Pairs was completed on Monday with Holders Allan Mitchell & Shuggie Hilson coming good after a poor start against Bobby Lee & Graham Prentice. Shock troops from the Prelim round, Gordon Fairbairn and Mike J. Burns were soundly put in their place by Robbie Paterson and Garry Harrison whilst brother Jim & George Prentice took care of Kenny Dixon and Wilie Rae. This left the battle between Andy Irving & Brian Miller to fight for the final place against Ronnie Scott & Jimmy Martin and it was Andy and Brian who came good in that one.
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THE INFAMOUS FIVE
Sunday saw the club enter into the TOP FIVE singles competition where the lads from Ardmillan visited the Northern. This meant a return to the club by John Urquhart, a past member and Champion, and on a personal basis, I was delighted to see John, even if he was now representing the opposition. Unfortunately for us, John has lost none of his abilities on the green since leaving the Northern and was first off with a fine victory over Stan Christie. George Prentice was next off and another defeat was chalked up. This left Allan Mitchell to give us some hope and he did exactly that by winning his game. Not long after Mike Burns came up trumps and levelled the score at 2-2 and now the pressure was on Graham Prentice. Graham had got off to a bad start though and despite some very good bowls to hang on in there, he had given himself too much to do and finally lost 21-16. So our Top Five campaign was short lived again, but there are still a few other competitions to try our luck at.
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NOT QUITE SEVEN UP
In a 'friendly' challenge match at the Northern, some of our Hibs supporting members threw the gauntlet down to invited bowlers from the Hibs.net. In a game involving three triples, the Northern Hibees took the honours thanks to wins by George Prentice, Ian McDonald and Gus McKenzie, and a 5 at the last end from Shuggie Hilson, Gordon Wilson and Ian Miller meant Mike Burns, John Young and Young Mike Burns only needed to avoid losing 5 themselves, which they achieved with no problem and a six shot winning margin was achieved. The sun shone on a great victory for the Northern lads but it is good to report that everyone enjoyed themselves and the friendly banter on and off the green contributed to a very successful day all round. The talk immediately after the game was about having this on an annual basis, so look out again for this next year and hopefully we can encourage a few more along to play.
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DE FEET FROM THE JAWS OF VICTORY
Despite the best efforts of Captain for the evening, Jim Bathgate, trying to claim a victory in his speach, his valiant attempt was not enough to override the disaster that was Mike Burns. Undefeated in his new 'trainers' until this point, Burns contrived to throw away the points in what was an incredible battle right accross the green. Shuggie Hilson was as usual, first off, and as usual he Allan Mitchell John Young and Andy Irving had their usual victory, despite, I am told, a wrong bias from Shuggie, although this may be a scurrilous rumour in revenge for last week. George Prentice rink fell by a single shot thanks to a wonder last bowl draw from skip Gamble, but it still needed calipers to decide the outcome of this one. Next off was Graham Prentice, who lost a single at the last end to peel at 15, but it was left to auld 'White Shoes' to totally blow it. Three shots down at the 2nd last end, lying a beauty 3 from the front end, Burns managed to play the 'SAFE' hand to try and turn a bowl for 5 or 6, was as tight as his pockets and smacked the jack away through the head for the loss of a single. The chance was still there to win the game but again Mike failed to draw round the short bowls for the necessary 4 required, however the 2 shots picked up was enough tho give us the aggregate point. Our own disappointing result though washelped by the fact that League leaders London Road Foundry went down 8-1 at home themselves, which bring us to within 2 points of the club we face in a fortnight.
The 2nd XVI got back to winning ways with a fine 5-4 victory down at the Queensberry, which is always a hard place to visit, and hopefully a wee report on their game will follow soon.
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SIX OF THE BEST
The lads travelled 'ower the water' on Saturday for the annual challenge match against our friends from Alloa. Reports came back the mighty Northern team gave the home team a battering with all six rinks winning. The following day, some of the boys headed back over the big puddle to Dunfermline. It took the very last bowl of the competition to stop Garry Harrison, Gary Largue, Jim Henderson and Gordon Wilson from lifting the trophy, which I am sure was very disappointing for the lads but was a brilliant effort nonetheless. It looks like our improving league form is being carried onto the friendly matches. Well done lads and let's keep it going.
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ONE OVER THE EIGHT
One over the eight is nine, and that is exactly what the first XVI managed to achieve when they rounded up the first half of the league campaign. Playing at home against joint 2nd place Liberton, the lads came up with a maximum NINE points and a huge 43 shot winning margin, thanks to big wins from Shuggie Hilson's rink, who won 25 - 8, despite Allan Mitchell playing what looked like a 'wrong bias' at one end, although Allan claims otherwise, and Graham Prentice's lads who coasted to a 22-6 victory. Mike Burns and the boys had their points in the bag with an end to spare, winning 18-9, but the 'biggest' victory went to George Prentice and his rink, who won an extremely hard fought battle and held on to win by a solitary shot at 16-15. This was a fine and very important win for George, who inflicted the first league defeat of the season on his opposite number, J. Lawrence, and another crucial two points were in the bag to complete a full house. This victory moved us above Liberton in the league and within one point of 2nd place Niddrie, whilst league leaders London Road Foundry are now only five points in front of us.
The 2nd XVI returned from Goldenacre with 4 points towards their promotion hopes. A much depleted 2nd XVI played the first league match of the season on the Goldenacre green, due to various hold ups with the completion of their new clubhouse. Victories for Jim Taylor and Alex Young gave the lads the 4 points, unfortunately, what was described as 'a murdering' for Ronnie McDonald and a loss for Roy Campbell meant the extra point stayed with the home club. As the 2nds have been depleted recently for various reasons, it makes the top of their division a bit tighter now but the lads are still be up there in top place and in a great position for the 2nd half of the season.
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As two of the four premier competitions progress nicely, the first round of both our SBA singles and pairs are now complete. Result of the round in the Championship must surely go to Robert Bell, who had a fine victory over Shuggie Hilson. Robert seemed to relish the quicker pace of the green and fully merited his victory.
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News from some midweek club games comes in the shape of the surprise result of the season so far as two of our 'newbees' Young Mike Burns and Gordon Fairbairn, beat the experienced Jim McKenna and Jim Henderson in the pairs by the narrowest of margins, a single shot umpired measure. It was an excellent game of bowls played in the best of nature by the four and both Mike and Gordon were delighted by their win.
Another 'newbee' Steve Raeburn gave the senior champion Andy Irving a fright in the Championship and although Andrew came through in the end, this game could have went either way. Both these games are encouraging for the club as well as our new members as it shows we have lads capable of coming through and already two of the three have represented the club at XVI's level.
IT TURNED OUT ALL WHITE ON THE NIGHT
Well, they don't come much closer than that, as both the First and Second XVI's secured a 5-4 with only a single shot seperating the opponents in both games. In a rain soaked, very unpleasant night, what looked like a lightening fast green at Summerside turned into a chuck through the water as the constant rain affected both sides. The fact we actually managed to complete our 17 ends says a lot about the Summerside green, which did remain playable despite the conditions. Our first two rinks of Shuggie and George were first off and under cover, but unfortunately with no points to show for their troubles. This left Graham Prentice to try and see out his game and with the overall scoreboard showing we were 4 down, Graham scored 2 valuable shots to give the other rink a chance. With the points virtually in the bag, it was a case of seeing if we could score the three needed for narrow 5-4 win. Lying two shots with the skips to play, up stepped Mike Burns with his dazzling new WHITE shoes on, to 'draw' (well, I threw it and it stopped in time in the forming puddles) to score the required 3 shots for victory. Congratulations in the club to Burns was not so much for winning the game, but more for having the audacity to wear those shoes, and comments about going dancing afterwards were taken with a reluctant smile.
Back at the Northern, our second XVI kept up their title challange with a similar hard fought result against fellow challengers Maitland,although their 5-4 victory was achieved in unusal circymstances. Despite losing the aggregate 65-64, Two wins and a peel was enough to give our seconds the important advantage and although slightly disappointed the margin of victory was not larger, under the circumstances, a win against their nearest rivals is still a good result. Well done to everyone for both victories and for enduring the worst weather we have had this season
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INVITATION FOURS
Another very successful day was concluded by the Fours from Burntisland when they defeated the Queensberry rink, skipped by Frank O'Reilly, in the final. The Burntisland lads are taking just a wee bit much of a liking to our green, they also went home last season with our Invitation Triples trophy, which they will hopefully be back to defend again this year. Well done to everyone who took part and especially the two finalists, in particular though, our friends frae ower the water, congratulations lads.
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STRANGE BUT TRUE
A couple of unusual happenings occurred last night in the league match at the Northern. Firstly, Shuggie Hilson's rink lost their very first game of the season on rink one, which is proving to be a bit difficult for our members to handle it seems. Then, almost as unexpected, Mike Burns WON his game, thanks to some very good front end play from Jim McKenna and Robbie Paterson, whilst Jim Henderson was his usual steady self, thanks lads. A fine 7-2 victory was secured when George Prentice rink won in amazing style, 29-6, obviously George did not let his disappointment of the previous night effect him at all. On the rink next to him brother Graham came through a tense battle to secure 20-12 victory and the 7 points were in the bag.
The second XVI's kept up the unusual evening by returning from Mayfield with 3-6 defeat, but this might be explained by the fact that several of the lads were pulled in to represent the first XVI. Still, a 3-6 defeat away from home is no great disaster and the lads will still be in a very strong position at the top end of the table.
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DERBY DAZE
Despite the absence of some notable players, those who pulled on the famous Green & White jerseys (well green tie anyway) for the Hibernian, proved just too good for their Hearts counterparts in the annual Hibs v Hearts James Taylor Trophy. Whilst Hibs captain Roy Campbell gratefully accepted the trophy, the 'Lavvie Pan' was duly despatched over the bonce of Hearts Captain Bob Lee and was shared with Allan Mitchell. A fine victory for the Hibees, well done lads.
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IN THE MIXER
More mixed fortunes for our XVI's again this week as the firsts fell at home to London Road Foundry in an almost' Must Win' game, whilst the second's triumphed away in a 'Top of the Table' clash at Leith.
A 26-11 victory for Shuggie Hilson's rink, in which two counts of 5 helped them along their way, was the one bright spot in a disappointing defeat to LRF. Gordon went down by 25-12 whilst in a closer battle, George Prentice lost by 16-11. Mike Burns rink was the usual 'last of the green' and in the fading light, a last bowl of the game take out attempt failed to turn the head into the necessary shots for and ultimate another two points, meaning the 17-15 defeat us with a miserable 2 points on the night.
It was left to the second XVI again to brighten up the evening and they returned to the club with SEVEN points in the bag. The overall total of 64-63 in our favour says it all about this 'Close Encounter' and once again, they have done their reputation no harm at all in pushing for first XVI recognition, well done lads.
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2 BOWL TRIUMPH
The Two bowl singles and Pairs took place on Saturday and the improving weather encouraged a very good attendance for the event. One of the larger entrances in recent years saw Jim Prentice and Partner Ian Miller beat Ian McDonald and new member Will Bates in the final.
The singles final could not be completed due to the unexpected, but highly pleasing, numbers that entered both competitions. Also the fact that Ian Miller showed some excellent early season form, and reached BOTH finals, meant the singles had to be delayed and will be played at a later date. Ian's Opponent in the final will be the most consistant singles player in the club in the last 2 or 3 years, Andy Irving, and an interesting challenge awaits these two for the first singles title of the season.
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OPENING DAY SUCCESS
Well, all the hard work during the winter by the many who were involved, was all about Saturday April 12th, Opening Day for season 2008. Despite the unpredictable nature of the weather, we had one of the best turnouts from the membership in many years and it was absolutely fantastic to see so many old and new faces there for the first roll of the season.
Sarah Christie had the honour of rolling the opening Jack and Vice President Garry Harrison followed up with the first bowl of the season. Garry, standing in for President Willie Porterfield who had a sore back, delivered his bowl to a very creditable 2 feet 8 inches. Despite the many guesses as to the distance, nobody guessed the exact distant, with Stan Christie being the nearest guess and the winner of the money prize. Stan later declared he was donating his winnings to charity, a fantastic gesture from the man, who received a very appreciative round of applause for this.
Sarah Delivers the First Jack of the season Vice President Garry sends his bowl to within a Yard
Roy Campbell stood in for the injured Willie and became 'President for a day' although Roy has had the honour of being President in the years gone by himself. It turned out to be a very good 'substitution' as Roy gave his counterpart Garry a bit of a doing on the green. In fact Roy ended up winning the Highest up Rink award and with one other victory and a peel in two of the other games, this was enough for the President to win the Opening Day Challenge. It was left to the Burnses and Ian MacDonald to gain the only victory for Vice President Garry as Young Mike Burns skipped Ian and even Younger Mike Burns to a win in a Triple.
