The 2011 Bowling Season Update
CARPET BOWLS UPDATED
With sincere apologies to all the guys who have made the effort this winter to get to the club and play in the winter league games, I have now managed to fully update the carpet mini bowls leagues, barring the last week of games played, this will be done as soon as I have the results. For various reasons, mainly the fact a lot of the lads are now playing in the winter domino league and are not at the club quite as often, the carpet bowls league scores and therefore league tables, have not been quite as accurate as they should be. However after a lot of head scratching and hard work, we have finally managed to put things right. So going in to the new year of 2012, the section leaders are now Stevie Raeburn, who heads Andy Reid on shots difference only but Stevie still has a couple of games in hand over Andy, although third placed Davy Scott is unbeaten so far and has a lot of games to play to catch up. Section 2 has a clear leader in Gordon Wilson on 14 points, and he has just managed to edge in front of Mike Morrison who is one point further behind with Allan Mitchell right in the hunt if he can win his games in hand.
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RAEBURN PLACED HANDILY NEAR TOP
Stevie Raeburn made his winter debut in the carpet bowls and promptly put himself right in to contention at the top of his section by winning 3 of his 4 games. Stevie sits 2 points behind Andy Reid who returned to win his only game this week by giving Grant Young a hiding at 14-1, Grant must be having some sleepless nights after that score and not just with his son Luke keeping him awake. Andy has played two games more than Stevie so the battle is on in section one. Gordon Wilson snr was the only winner from section two to strengthen his position at the top. Strangely enough, both other games ended in peels but the point gained by Davy Smith moved him off the bottom and in to the middle of the table as Kenny Dixon is now holding up that section at the bottom. There is no carpet bowls next week due to the club being booked out by the domino league.
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PLEASE DO REMEMBER
Ok, it was the first of November, not the 5th, but as we seen off October and moved in to November, it was good to see Ian Miller making his debut in the carpet bowls this season, leaving only Harry Hastie and Stevie Raeburn to make their appearances. It also saw Tam Whitecross losing his first game of mini bowls this season and without rolling a bowl on Monday, Gordon Wilson snr strengthened his position at the top of section two. Two wins for Mike Morrison meant he climbed off the bottom of the table and with a couple of games in hand is also threatening Gordon at the top. It was a quiet evening for the players in Section One but a convincing win for Alex Young over Jimmy Martin moved Alex to the top on shot difference from Andy Reid and Alex also has a game in hand. I'm not sure if there was any dominos played on Monday night as there has been no scores forwarded on but as soon as this is confirmed, any new info will be updated.
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WINTER WONDERLAND
As the lads start dipping their toes in to the winter league Dominos and Carpet bowls, The Wilson family are early front runners on the carpet. Gordon junior made his debut this week and opened with two victories to go top of section one whilst Gordon senior also made it two from two be joint top of section two, although both leader Allan Mitchell and 2nd placed Tam Whitecross have better shot differences from Gordon. The ROC is in a very strong position in section one as he holds everybody else up, sitting bottom with three defeats but there is a long way to go yet. There are still one or two have been slow to appear but hopefully those lads will make their appearance soon.
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TREASURER ON THE MONEY
It may not have been the best day weatherwise, although thankfully the rain held off to let the guys play in the dry. However, it was a healthy turnout on closing day for the usual Treasurer v Secretary match, a keenly fought fun day to finish the season. The result could have gone either way and Secretary Alex team was only 'minutes' away from recording a victory as it was tight right across the board. However, Jim's lads came good in the end allowing the Treasuer to 'cheque' out the season with a victory as his side rallied to finish undefeated on all fronts. Even Allan Mitchell managed to blow it for his captain Alex as he lost 5 shots in the last two ends to peel, although Allan still tried to claim the 'highest up' rink for his side despite not actually being UP, Aye yer a trier Allan. Well, that was the end of the 2011 bowling season, one which our success as a club came in both XVI's avoiding the drop from their respective top divisions and also saw our Scottish Triple winning through to the district finals. It is now time for the winter leagues to start on a Monday evening with the darts, doms and carpet bowls, something that proved to be a huge success last season and we hope can be so again. It is also a great way to support the club during the winter months when it is needed most, and of course to spend your bar vouchers which we are all required to purchase. Have a great close season everybody, hope you enjoyed your summer months and hope to see you during the winter.
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ANDY'S VERY HANDYCAP
The last final of the season, the President's Handicap, was played out between Andy Reid and Mike Burns, both players starting from the mark of -3. Andy had cleared this off within 2 ends with a double double whilst it took Mike 3 singles to reach the zero point. A full house Four for Andy was followed up with a three for Mike in what was proving a high quality game of bowls and two ends later, Mike picked up a Full house for himself to cross at 8-7 in front. However, this was as good as it got for Mike as four ends later, and the loss off of another count of Four, saw Andy race away in front to 16-8. The bowling was still very good but the difference was the quality of Andy's conversation shots, next year's selectors might want to re-think Andy as a front player as, despite his excellent drawing game, it was Andy's 'skip' bowls that was making the difference. A plant shot to turn Mike's shot bowl through the head was quickly followed by a chap and lie to turn two against to a full count in Andy's favour. Another count of two against was turned in to a count of two as Andy played a great trail shot on the white and whilst Mike was playing good stuff himself, he simply had no answer to the all round quality of Andy's game. At 19-10 for Andy and lying game behind the white, Mike tried a trail himself to pick up three but halved the white the wrong way and it was time to shake hands with a very worthy winner, Andy Reid, President's Champion 2011. Andy has had a great first season back in the Northern and admitted himself that he will have a lot to live up to next year, a task he is already looking forward to. Congratulations Andy on not just a fine win in the Presidents but a very fine season too.
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ROC JUST TWO STEADY FOR ALLAN IN FINAL
The games are coming thick and fast as the dark nights draw in and it was the turn of the Two Bowl Finalists, Roy Campbell v Allan Mitchell, to show off their talents in Charlie Kinnear Trophy.. Roy had already beat Allan in the Bobby Loch semi-final earlier in the year in what was a closely fought affair so Allan was out to level the scores here and he quickly took a good lead to leave Roy trailing 10 - 3. Whether Allan lost concentration at this point is hard to say but the ROC came roaring back, although Allan was still scoring at the odd end and his early lead was enough to keep him in front at 17 - 15. However a double for Roy to peel was followed up by 4 straight singles to leave Roy as winner of the Kinnear Trophy for 2011. Many congratulations to Roy and commiserations to Allan in a very good final.
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THE FINALS COUNTDOWN - FINAL UPDATE
The line up for the Presidents handicap final is now complete after Andy Reid and Jim McKenna squared up to each other. Despite giving away a 2 shot start from his -3 handicap, it was Andy who shot off to a flying start and at 14 - 4 up, looked on the way to a comfortable win. Looks can be deceiving though and at this point, Jim started to find his weight a lot better, so much so in fact that an easy win for Andy had turned in to a possible defeat as he found himself 15-16 behind and the momentum was fully behind Jim. However, in the usual 'game of three halves' (I was never very good at maths) back came Andy again and four ends later it was all over as he managed to get his act together and finally see off Jim 21-16 to face Mike Burns in the final on Thursday evening.
As the nights are fair drawing in, it's a sure sign the end of the season is getting ever closer. With this though goes a few Finals and it's another big congratulations to Jacquie Christie who managed to retain her title to stay Northern Bowling Clubs' LADIES CHAMPION, very well done Jacquie and the manner of your victories says you are a very well deserving CHAMPION.
To the men now and Roy Campbell became the first one through to Final of the Two Bowl as he managed to pip Jim Prentice at the post. In a game that saw the lead change hands several times, it was no surprise that this went right down to the wire and in a photo finish, 20-20, it was Roy who went forward with the narrowest of wins at 21-20. In the other semi-final, Allan Mitchell took on a rather 'under the weather' Garry Harrison. Suffering from a heavy cold, Garry was maybe not surprisingly slow off the marks as he found himself 3-10 behind then 8-18. A wee mini recovery took place but Allan soon found himself on 20 and although Garry kept battling away, Allan got the single shot he needed to eventually see off Garry's challange as he went through 21-16 to face the ROC in the Two bowl Final
The first semi-final of the Presidents Handicap also took place between Brian Miller and Mike Burns and this turned in to the classic 'game of two halves'. Brian raced away early on and looked to be justifying his 'favourite' tag as he not only defended his seven starting advantage but increased it to lead 11-2. However, things were about to change and the loss of back to back three's gave the game a different look and from that point, Mike never looked back, losing only a single in his run to the finish and a 21-12 win.
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NORTHERN PUT BEST FOOT FORWARD
Our annual friendly match against Croftfoot saw the lads head through Hampden way last weekend, probably the only chance any of us will get to be near Hampden this football season. This is always a great day out, well that is unless you happen to be a certain Northern skip. News was excitedly passed on to me informing me of a certain first XVI player who tried his best to scupper the Northern by firstly losing an incredible EIGHT at one end (it was a Triple so not quite a full house) before going on to suffer an absolute murdering. I have decided to withhold our skips name to avoid his embarrassment and in true skips fashion, I'm sure he will be blaming his front end anyway. Despite the EIGHT lost by Gordon Wilson Snr (oops) the Northern actually went on to win the match by a single shot to complete an excellent trip west.
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LADIES SHOW OFF THEIR SUNDAY BEST
Following the success of our first ever Ladies invitation pairs of last season, 2011 proved to be even more successful with an even bigger entry. Although disappointingly one of the pairings failed to show, quick work and re-organising by Allan Mitchell allowed the event to go ahead fairly smoothly, although maybe understandably, some were not overly happy with the new arrangements. It was a lovely sunny day for the time of year and once the bowling got under way, it was some of our well kent faces who managed to produce the goods with their excellent bowling. One of the semi-final ties turned out to be a repeat of last years final as Zandra Kinnear and partner Margaret McGowan beat Rita Reid and Margaret Keenan and indeed in a tightly fought final, it was Zandra & Margaret who overcame the ladies from Hillside by a mere single shot to take this years title of Northern Bowling Club Ladies Invitation Pairs Winners. Thanks to our sponsors SLATERS in George Street, the winners each received £50 plus £50 of SLATERS vouchers, whilst the runners up went away with £35 and again £50 in SLATERS vouchers each, with our beaten semi-finalists also received £20 each. A big thank you also goes to Stan Christie & Gary Largue who did the catering for the day for the ladies and we hope everyone enjoyed their day and look forward to seeing you all back again next year.
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PAIRS WIN JUST WHAT THE DOC ORDERED
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GENERAL NEWS UPDATE
With the league season now over and the last of the club SBA finals now complete, there is already a feeling of the season starting to wind down, despite the fact there are still club competitions ongoing and the seasons end is still around 6 weeks away. Our last remaining representatives in the Edinburgh, Hugh Hilson & Allan Mitchell, lost out last Thursday at the quarter final stage. Whilst the past few years have seen the Northern giving members who did not qualify for the Scottish or ELBA a chance to play in this competition, it is maybe a measure of how serious other clubs are treating it when you see some of the 'names' who are representing their own clubs. By a twist of events, both Allan & Hughie partnered each other in the pairs and did very well until falling to two first XVI skips from Goldenacre, who had already defeated a strong Craigentinny pair the round before. Whether we continue to have the same attitude towards this event in the future will depend on the new selection committee but this might just give them food for thought. In the Presidents Handicap, few would bet against Brian Miller going all the way. The Seniors singles finalist is off a handy mark of +4 and his recent 'victim' the ROC will surely back up that favourites tag as he fell 21-10 after giving Brian a start of 5 shots. Alex Young was a happy chappy after a sound victory over young Gordon Wilson in the same event and now faces Mike Burns who managed to see off the challenge of Grant Young whilst Andy Reid beat Mike J. Burns 21-18 in another battle
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REID'S ALL OVER FINAL OPPONENTS
It has been a fantastic return to the Northern for Andy Reid as he reached his third club SBA final of the season when he and son Jamie faced up to Walter Murray & Garry Harrison in the pairs. A five at the 2nd end got the Reid's off to a good start but Walter & Garry recovered well from this set back and after 13 ends, the game was peeled at 13. In tight games like this, it sometimes the wee rubs that go for or against you that make the difference and afterwards Andy & Jamie were kind enough to admit that any breaks going went in their favour as they eventually managed to overcome the new partnership of Walter & Garry by 19-14 leaving both Reid's as double SBA club Champions in 2011. Many congratulations to Andy & Jamie, you have been a welcome additional to the Northern, whilst commiserations go to Walter & Garry, who used the words of a famous Arnie by declaring, 'We'll be back'.
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HUGH BEAUTY AS HOLDERS DEFEND TRIPLES TITLE
The Invitation Triples took place on Sunday and it was a full house of 24
giving us 4 sections of six. Teams from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Kirkintilloch
and East Kilbride graced our green on a glorious day weather wise, excepting
for one heavy downpour early on. Despite the many guests on show, the day
was dominated by home faces with three of the sections winners being Triples
led by Jim Bathgate, Gordon Wilson and Davy Scott whilst our old friends
from Burntisland made up the fourth semi-finalists.
It was an all Northern final though, well almost, as Hughie Hilson, Allan
Mitchell and Davy Scott played the Two Gordon Wilson’s and Eddie Christie
with Hughie & Allan retaining the trophy they won last year along with
Davy Scott. One notable point was the runners-up were actually the nominated
rink of the sponsors for the tournament WHYTE & MacKAY and
a huge thanks go to them for once more kindly sponsoring this ever popular
competition. One very special mention goes to Stevie 'Desert
Fox' Raeburn who turned up in what some thought was fancy dress. It
didn't go unnoticed that Stevie looked like he was in the Festival Fringe
as he was dressed like a German desert fox of WW2 fame, looking for
his missing sherman tank, fortunately the only thing that broke out was a
game of bowls.
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FAMILIES AT DRAW IN PAIRS SEMI-FINAL
Both pairs semi-finals were scheduled for last Thursday but unfortunately, due to an injury to Robert Bell, Jim Hansen had to concede his game to Walter Murray & Garry Harrison, giving them a walk over in to the final. This left the two family combinations of Andy & Jamie Reid to battle it out against another Father & Son combination of the two Gordon Wilson's. In what turned out to be a high scoring game, it was the Wilsons' who made the better start as they shot off to a 6-0 lead after only three ends. However, in what was to prove the first of two vital handfuls for the Reids', Andy & Jamie replied with a 5 then 3 to edge in front. A double for the two Gordon's to peel at 8 was only a temporary setback for Andy & Jamie though as they then raced away to 17 - 8 and looked comfortably in control, or were they? A 4 and 4 singles soon had the Wilson family right back in the hunt at only one shot behind with two to play and it was anybody's, or so it looked, until once again the Reid family took control with their second count of 5 at the 2nd last end, giving the two Gordon's a mountain to climb. The loss of another single at the last end left Andy and Jamie Reid to go for their 2nd club SBA final of the season having already secured the Triples title.
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32 CLIMB OVER THE HILL - TO SURVIVAL
On a horrendous night of rain, the vital last league matches of the EBL took place, or at least some of them did, and our XVI's both went in to their respective games knowing exactly what was required to survive in their own top division as they faced up to Hillside, who were also in the same boat, a very appropriate description given the weather. The first XVI visited Hillside and to be totally fair to the green, considering the amount of rain that had fallen before and during the game, it was in remakarbly good condition. THREE points was what was required by the lads to ensure safety, although actually 2.5 would have also done but that is an even more unlikely scoreline, or was it? Last minute changes were needed as Hughie Hilson reported late with a sore back, so a switch was made with Hughie and Ian Miller changing rinks and positions. Hughie should try running for more buses becasue himself and Graeme Prentice were both marvellous at the front end in Jamie Reid's rink with Mike Burns third and in an eleven end burst from the fourth end, scored an incredible 26 shots. With the other rinks all involved in extremely tight games, this was proving to be vital for the three points required for safety. Stevie Raeburn, Bob Bain, Allan Mitchell and George Prentice went 12-6 up and looked good until the rain came on heavy and the lads lost their weight. It took a last bowl draw from Skip George to save four vital shots and even though the lads went down 16-12 in the end, this was again to prove crucial to the end result. Darren & Jim Prentice and the two Gordon Wilson's edged in front at 11-9 but once again were caught out by the changing conditions. Whilst once more the lads went down 12-17, they had managed to keep the score tight enough to give the final rink a big chance. Andy Reid, Mike J. Burns, Ian Miller and Davy 'Darkness' Scott were out playing long after the rest had been fed and watered in the clubhouse. With virtually no light left and the rain still battering down, 'Darkness' Davy's lads knew they had to avoid losing five shots at the last, a four would have given us the unlikely scenario of a 2.5 - 6.5 scoreline, just enough for us to survive. Thankfully, the lads shook hands on losing a double and the necessary THREE points had been achieved, an absolutely fantastic effort by everyone in a Northern shirt who got soaked for the cause.
The 2nd XVI got their 4x4 last night in the most delightful
evening with the sun splitting the pavement. Well it was around 2130hrs
as the boys clinched the four points required. To tell the truth the rain
never stopped but at that time we stayed in the 1st division. The
game it's self was hard fought, Ronnie MacDonald got a hard draw on rink
4 and whilst he put up a stern effort, he just could not catch the lead Hillside
had on him. Ian MacDonald gave his side a good start three out
of four rinks started with four shots, The only let down was the ROC who
failed to score. But that's another story. Getting back to IAN MAC, he fought
hard and never gave up, only to be beat in the end. Two rinks down, panic?
No, NBC don't know the meaning of the word and on rink 5, the Silverback's
rink had pulled away. The GREAT WALDO MURRAY had a blinder of a game' followed
by the jolly bar steward BRIAN MILLER. Both hammered the white all night
that left ALEX & THE SILVER BACK to just tidy up at the back. But everybody
had one eye on rink 1, the tussle of the night. ROC, R. SCOTT,
T. WHITECROSS & J. MARTIN battling it out to the very last bowl.
The pressure was on these boys who were nip & tuck all night. The boys
held their nerve though to collect the points required. So the ROC came good
in the end and for not scoring a four at the first end, I think we will let
him off.
To the selectors, some hard decisions to make over the season but it has
proved you have been correct. For those who bleated about the decisions,
let them try it. WELL DONE,. AS BARBARA STREISAND SANG
[DON'T RAIN ON MY PARADE] WELL AT NBC LAST NIGHT IT NEVER DID. WELL DONE
TO ALL WHO PLAYED OVER THE SEASON YOU PROVED WE ARE GOOD ENOUGH.
TILL NEXT SEASON, BYE FOR NOW. ROVER
THE REPORTER.
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NORTHERN HAVE STING IN THE TAIL
Two games to go, both against our relegation rivals and first up was the home game against Goldenacre who were all but relegated beforehand. George Prentice and Allan Mitchell had a new front end in Brian Miller and Bob Bain as changes were enforced due to holidays. This didn't stop the lads though as they continued their good form of a fortnight ago and having only conceded four single shots in 15 ends, they went on to put the first two vaulable points on the board for the Northern with a 20-7 win. The margin of the victory could have proved very important as the other three rinks were all involved in close battles and after 12 ends each game could have gone either way. The two Gordon's with Garry Harrison & Jim Prentice had gone 8-9 behind but a fantastic finish saw them score 13 unanswered shots and another two points were added to the total in a 21-9 victory. Davy Scott's rink was another which had enforced changes with Stevie Raeburn coming in at lead and Hughie Hilson moving to third to allow Mike Burns to skip the remaining rink in the abscence of Jamie Reid. Davy's men were, as mentioned, involved in a tight one but eventually they managed to sneak away 18-14 in front with only three to play. Unfortunately though, the lads could not hold out and the loss of seven shots in the final three ends saw them go down 18-21. As per usual 'Midnight' Burns was still out in the fading light and once again he had drawn the short straw as his rink of Graeme & Darren Prentice and Ian Miller took on Colin Hutchison. Mike might well be a Hi-Bee but it was a WASP that took its revenge even before he had stepped on the green as it stung him in the neck. Never in front in the early stages due in particular to some top notch bowling from Colin Hutchison, the Northern lads had been playing well just to keep in touch in this game. Once again, with the scores peeled at nine, it was the 13th end which proved crucial as Mike's boys produced their own sting with a four and went on to see out the remainder of the game with a 15-11 victory. Quite incredibly, despite this fine 7-2 win and the fact we moved up one place in the league, with Hillside beating Leith 8-1 actually meant we moved one point closer to the drop zone. However, our safety is in our own hands and we can visit fellow relegation battlers Hillside in the last game of the season with the slight comfort of a FOUR point lead over our hosts of the evening.
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GARY WINS LOCH STOCK & BARREL
Another excellent turn out from the members for the Bobby Lock 3 Bowl Singles Trophy saw another defending Champion repeat his previous success. The four section winners went through to the semi-final where 'Auld' Gordon Wilson faced holder Garry Harrison and Allan Mitchell took on the ROC. Garry was in determined mood, and even better form, as he won comfortably against Gordon, whilst Allan & Roy were in a much tougher battle, where Roy went on to win 6-4. So the holder had at least put up a good defence by reaching the final, and a very good final it turned out to be too. Peels at 5 after 6 ends in the 9 end shoot out, it was Garry who finally managed to hold on and keep his trophy as both lads seemed to play better in opposite directions on rink one, Garry getting the better of Roy going away from the clubhouse whilst the ROC reversed this coming the other way. Well done to Garry and a very successful day thanks to the support of the members
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STAN'S THE MAN ONCE AGAIN IN GREAT DEFENCE
Not for the first time, the final of the club Championship was contested between George Prentice and Holder Stan Christie but unfortunately for George, Stan was delighted to see the result turning out the same. George had made the final courtesy of a 21-14 win over Keith Smith whilst Stan scraped through by the skin of his teeth when defeating Bob Bain 21-20. The final itself was very close in the early stages, Stan edging in front 10-9 after eleven ends. However, that was as close as it was ever to get as a combination of George losing his weight and Stan stepping up a gear saw the defending Champion break away. Over the next eight ends, George only manage to trouble the scoreboard with two singles whilst Stan was able to add a 4 and a 3 to his four singles to to see him as the only President in the history of the Northern ever to become club Champion with a 21-11 victory. Congratulations to Stan on this achievement and commiserations again to George.
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A FINE MIX FOR THE YOUNG TRAYNER
A beautifully sunny day met the mixed pairs and a very good turnout of four sections, thanks to the efforts mainly of Marie Smith, and it certainly helped create a good atmosphere on the day. The four section winners went to the semi-finals, Allan & Angela Mitchell, Bob Lee & Zandra Kinnear, Grant Young & Jean Trayner and Darren Prentice & Erin Gornall.. It was Bob & Zandra who came through to meet Grant & Jean in the final, with the latter pair managing to come out on top to take the 2011 Mixed Pairs trophy. This was a very successful day and a competition which is becoming more popular every year and it was great to see everyone enjoying themselves.
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NORTHERN SIX SHOOTERS GUN DOWN CRAIGY
The big guns from Caigentinny were our visitors in week 12 of the league season and they came with the prospect of possibly winning the league on the evening, a 9-0 victory for themselves coupled with a 6-3 defeat by Tanfield, would have saw them crowned as champions with still two weeks to go. However, we had important business of our own as we are involved in a dire struggle for survival and it is fair to say, the Northern boys were 'Up for it'. The Wilson boys got us off to a flier leading 13-3 after only 11 ends, however, it was not a shock when the Craigy lads fought back and it took some great bowls and nerves for Garry Harrison, Jim Prentice and the two Gordons to hold on to record a vital two points for the club with a one shot 14-13 victory. The newly formed Northern rink of Stevie Raeburn, Jim McKenna, Allan Mitchell and skip George Prentice were involved in a battle all the way. Having sneaked 12-11 in front after 13 ends, the lads lost a 2, and a 3 to go three shots behind with three to go. A single followed for George, then a brilliant take out bowl by our past twice champion produced a SIX to go three up at the last and the lads never looked in any danger as they produced another FOUR shots to win handsomely at 23-16. The importance of these last htree ends by George's boys was to follow soon. Graeme Prentice, Darren Prentice, Hughie Hilson and skip Jamie Reid were in a battle of their own. Having fought back from 6-2 down they managed to cross at 8-7 and held in front by a shot going in to the last end. Unfortunately the boys lost the shot and there was desperate measuring going on by the Craigentinny third, ex Northern member Kevin Hunter, but it was all in vain and Jamie and the boys secured a peel at 13 for another vital point. Davy Scott's lads, Andy Reid, Mike J. Burns and 'Vintage' 'Midnight' Burns were, not surprisingly last off the green. A quite horrendous start of 5 then 4 against in the first two ends gave them little hope, or so most thought, but Davy's lads rallied and managed to draw level at 12 and things at that stage looked very encouraging right across the board, a full house against the champions elect actually looked possible. Lying three beauties, it took a fantastic bowl by the Craigy 3rd to convert a leading score was turned in to 4 against as the Jack was moved wide to the side of the rink. This was the last chance for Davy to win the game but the earlier importance of the last three ends by George Prentice came in to play. The aggregate was still up for grabs and if Davy's lads could avoid losing a double or more then the extra point was secured and this is exactly what they managed to achieve, losing a single and Davy opting not to play his bowl. An absolutely fantastic 6 - 3 result for the Northern and with other results going our way, we have given ourselves a big chance of survival, destiny is now in our hands.
The 2nd XVI returned from Craigentinny with 4-5 defeat with wins for Ian MacDonald and Robert Bell and when time permits, a report will appear here later.
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TOP TEN ENDS WITH A BAIN IN THE NECK
The draw for the external cup competitions were not overly kind to us this year and the Top Ten was no different as we were paired against Bainfield, and away from home too. However, our lads went out and gave them a real fright and although our only win was the pairing of Andy Reid & Davy Scott, it was all very close and went to the wire. Young Jamie Reid represented us in the singles and put up a good show, only going down 21-15. The Triple also went close as they peeled with two ends to go before losing a killer six at the 2nd last end and the rink went even closer as they too were peels going down the last, only to lose out. So all in all, despite a defeat, the big guns of Bainfield knew they were in a game and all credit to everyone who went out and gave it their best shot.
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IT'S A REID ALERT IN TRIPLES FINAL
A game of two halves, something normally referred to on a football pitch or for the egg chasers but certainly not bowls. However, this is exactly what it was in the club SBA Triples Final contested between Stan Christie, Gordon Wilson & Davy Scott playing Andy & Jamie Reid and Hughie Hilson. On paper, there was not much to choose between both triples but possibly Davy's three went in as slight favourites, and if this was the case then they proved the point with a fantastic start as they opened up a 10-1 lead to look comfortable. However, favourites don't always win, as any punter and bookie will tell you, and in a remarkable 2nd half comeback (maybe they changed ends and were shooting down the slope) Andy, Hughie & Jamie turned things around completely to go on and win the Triples title by an amazing 20-12 scoreline. Congratulations to the winning lads and commiseration to the runners-up
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IT'S STATUS QUO AS RELEGATION BATTLE GOES DOWN, DOWN DEEPER AND DOWN TO THE WIRE
With only four games left and the way the bottom of the league is sitting, every game has now become a 'must win' game, or at the very least a 'must score points' game as it looks very much like it is going right down to the last week to decide the relegation positions for the First XVI top division. A trip to Queensberry is always a difficult task but we saw this as a wee chance to score some much needed points and it was Davy Scott who led the way as he flew out the traps to lead 11-1. A late reshuffle of our pack was required due to unforeseen circumstances and at long last we managed to convince Gordon Wilson snr that he IS good enough to skip a rink. Playing with new bowls it obviously took the man time to settle and the scorecard didn't look good at 1-12 down, and our other rinks skipped by Hughie Hilson and Jamie Reid fared no better as they both fell 4-13 and 2-11 behind respectively. Worse news was to come as Davy Scott's lads went to sleep and their early lead was clawed back to 9-11 but the lads came strong again and a 21-13 win secured two points for the Northern. Jamie struggled throughout to keep touch in his game and the points score was soon level as he lost 19-8 but better news was coming from the other rinks. Hughie Hilson's boys made a great fightback but went down narrowly at 20-15 but the big story was 'super skip' Gordon who made a remarkable recovery from his earlier deficit to lead 19-15 going in to the last end. Despite their defeats, late scores by Jamie & Hughie had given the lads an outside chance of securing the aggregate and Davy Scott had only just failed in a 'cannon' shot to give Gordon a better chance. Lying 2 or 3 three shots, the Northern hope came to an end as 'Berry skip Tam Ebbs drew the vital shot, however Gordon's recovery remained complete and a 4-5 scoreline was not a disaster for us. As scores came through from other greens, it soon became obvious that it was a 5-4 night all round and the status quo remained for everybody, leaving the last three games even more vital than they were before.
At northern last night a freak incident happened [ NO KENNY DIXON DID NOT
BUY A ROUND ] The game turned out the same score as when we played at Willow
brae 4.5-4.5 draw, what odds would you get on that. To the game it's
self and the ROC charged into a massive lead at 25-3 at one stage, only to
be hauled back later, but he held on to win and Two points were in the bag. Ian
McDonald skipping had A tuff encounter, however he mustard all his skills
to edge out his oppo. Well done the guys on rink one.
Dancing prancing gnome Bobby Bell & the Silver Back LEE were just pipped
at the post. In a hard fought battle nip & tuck to the end, Bob Bell
last bowl had to be measured with feelers.
The Silverback's game lost it in the last two ends after being 10-3 down,
to fight back to bring it To peels making it 11-11 after 11 ends, Jim Porter
had a great game followed by K DIXON.
It's that place next week, the 'Tinny, BRING THEM ON IS THE CRY.
Rover the reporter
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HAIRY FLUKER AND THE DEATHLY SILENCE
It was revenge time for the Northern following Friday's defeat at the hands of Leith in the Edinburgh Cup as we immediately got the chance to put things right as we again faced them in an even more important league clash. As both clubs are involved in the relegation battle, points were absolutely vital and a SEVEN at the third end followed by a double at the next, set Davy Scott and his lads off to a fantastic start and they never looked back as they went on to hammer the opposition 26-9. The other three games were very close and could have gone either way but a run of six scoring ends for young Gordon Wilson turned a 6-11 deficit in to a 14-11 score in their favour and despite the loss of a double at the last end, that meant another two points for the Northern. Jamie Reid and his rink were also involved in a tight one but the loss of a five late on looked to have ended their hopes. However, Jamie's lads replied immediately with a five of their own to drag themselves right back in to it but they were to come up just short as they eventually went down 11-18. And now to the story of the night as Mike Burns, somehow still holding on to a skips position, joined in the rest with a close encounter of his own. With both front ends having a great game, it was Mike's lads who stole a lead, but again, the loss of six straight ends turned the tables briefly before a three put them back in front. Anyway, peels going down the last and a full length Jack, Garry Harrison and George Prentice produced two absolute beauties with two touchers. They lay there undisturbed as first 'Auld' Gordon and then Mike tried to unsuccessfully to play cover bowls. The Leith skip Adam Ramsay played a heavy bowl well wide of the head, well wide that was until it came crashing off a short wide bowl of his own, straight in to the head and whipped the Jack through clean as you like, without even moving either of the two touchers. A deathly silence fell right across the green as the watching players realised the importance of this fluke and to be fair to the Leith lads, there was no celebratory congratulations after this shot. This left Burns facing game and a crucial two points against and luck was not to be on Mike's side again as he tried in vain to turn one of the touchers through, only for it to come up a bowl short and the two points were lost. In the context of the game itself, it was a sickener, in the context of the season on the whole, it might prove to be the bowl which decides the fate of the league positions at the end as a possible 7-2 against our close rivals turned in to a 5-4.
.Rover the Reporter at the Postal
As Frankie Valli sang `oh what a night' The ROC lost out with his last bowl
to be pipped at the death `so luck be a lady tonight' did not raise her head
for the Northern.
Jim Bathgate had an unlucky evening, trailing by a big margin, JB & his
boys fought back to get beat by a shot, Super hero stuff for JB & his
lads.
Ronnie MacDonald had a very good win to ease the pain a little. A
great effort by Ronnie & his dancing prancing Gnome, the most enthusiastic
player in the club dancing up the rink and speaking to his bowls, the one & only
ROBERT BELL .
`Wishing I was lucky 'by Wet Wet Wet' was Bob Lee's squad song, every
time they hit the jack it went to a postal cluster of bowls. So it turned
out to be one of those nights. I think everybody in the Postal rink
was called NICK, That's how the evening went because it was a nick nick here
and a nick nick there, every where a nick nick. So
it's goodnight from me & AULD NICK
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SUN SHINES ON LEITH IN EDINBURGH CUP DEFEAT
Last week's victory over Pilrig saw us take on fellow Div One strugglers Leith in the next round of the Edinburgh cup, and as predicted, this turned out to be a tight affair. As news came through from Leith that things were very close, so the same news was sent back to Leith as the three home rinks were involved in a titanic battle with each game having little more than a two or three shots in it either way for the best part of the game. As Jamie Reid looked to again be our ace in the park early on, the loss of a six knocked them off their stride and the lads ended up losing 15-18. Jimmy Bathgate & Mike Burns game saw the lead change hands several times and it looked like Mike's lads were set to sneak over the line. The loss of a three at the 2nd last though saw the game go to peels at the last end and George Prentice was again unlucky to get wrong contact on the 'White' where a trail would have undoubtably have won the game, ultimately though, the shot went to Leith and this was enough to end the Northern's hopes. Jim Bathgate peeled his game at 15 whilst down at Leith Hughie Hilson won his game by ten shots, Davy Scott was one in front at the last end and lost a three whilst the ROC ended up 5 down, so all in all, a very close game that could have gone either way in most games to the last end right across the board, but it was not to be.
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A STROLL IN THE PARK FOR OPPOSITION
Things don't get any easier in this top division. Following our 2-7 defeat away to Tanfield, we now faced up to pre-season hopeful challangers Parkside at the Northern and unfortunately the result was the same. Gordon Wilson Jnr was welcomed in to the Northern and we hoped he could produce the same form and record as he had with his previous club. However, eleven unanswered shots in 3 ends put paid to that particular hope as his rink went down by 11-23. Davy Scott suffered a similar fate as his lads got off to a terrible start as they found themselves 0-9 after 4 ends and it was an uphill struggle from there as they finally went down 10-19. As though things were not bad enough, Mike Burns and his lads were kept waiting on a taxi (no it wasn't for them) as the Parkside lead decided earning a few quid behind the wheel was better than bowling. When he finally did turn up, things didn't FARE any better, Mike's boys found themselves 0-7 down after 2 ends and again it was fair to say, they didn't get any breaks in their game. They did stage something of a fightback though and despite needing a five for a peel at the last end, they were lying a possible five with only the Parkside skip left to play his last bowl. There were no more lucky results needed this time though as he drew 4th shot close to the ditch to decide this game at 13-15. And now to the only good news of the evening. Stan Christie had recovered enough from his knee problem to team up with Jamie Reid again. A five at the 2nd end helped the lads off to a good start and in a close fought encounter, it was Jamie and his lads who returned our only two points of the evening with an 18-12 victory.
Nightmare on Parkside to quote the
movies.
Sorry to say but rover the reporter witnessed a horror or a disaster in movie
terms. Jim Bathgate rink must have been in Scream as every bowl seem to
help the opposition as all you heard was a scream from J.B. Bob lee must
have been in Titanic sunk with no survivors. Ronnie McDonald also had a
rough time in a Bad day at Black Parkside
The only thing good was The Saving Private Northern a hero like display by
ROC & his Platoon to get us the two points, it was a Great Escape.
From now on it's THE CHARGE OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE.
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TWO BOWL OR NOT TWO BOWL, THAT WAS THE QUESTION
The Two bowl singles and pairs must have looked in serious doubt as the late morning rain didn't make things too promising. However, the rain did relent enough to allow these competitions to go ahead and despite the weather, there was a decent turn out from the members. Brian Miller beat Jim Bathgate in one semi-final whilst Tam Whitecross took care of Harry Hastie in the other and in the battle of what many might have considered to be the underdogs, it was Brian Miller, proving he is more than just a bar steward, who took the honours as he beat Tam in the final. The Two bowl pairs saw Darren Prentice & Mike Morrison face up to red hot favourites Roy Campbell and Allan Mitchell and in what proved to be a great result for the bookies, it was the underdogs again of Darren & Mike who took the honours.
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FIRST'S CLIMB OVER THE HILL SIDE
Hard on the heels of last weeks relegation battle came another one, this time at home against Hillside, the club we leapfrogged following our win, so this was another very important battle of the basement boys. Davy Scott's lads got off to a flier and found themselves 14-3 in front at the half way point, but the loss of a four made things a wee bit tighter. However, Andy, Mike J. Gordon and Davy responded brilliantly with a four of their own and eventually stormed away to a fine 26-10 victory. Ian Miller's rink got off to a sticky start as they found themselves 3-11 behind but a run of 13 unanswered shots then put them in total command and Darren, Jim, George and Ian ran out convincing winners at 21-13 and another two points were notched up to the Northern. Following their trememndous display last week at Goldenacre, Garry Harrison and Bob Bain found themselves with a re-jigged back end as Mike Burns was probably fortunate to be dropped to Third and Hugh Hilson stepping in as skip, Allan Mitchell being the unlucky one to step down for this week to skip in the 2nd XVI. The changes certainly appeared to work, but this could have been down to the standard of opposition this time around, but great to say that both Garry and Bob continued their great performance from last week to blow away the Hillside front end. 9-0 up before Hillside scored their first shot with a lucky break, two 5's and a 3 soon followed to put Hughie's boys miles in front at 25-3 and only another couple of 'rubs' for the Hillside skip stopped the scoreboard flicking over the 30 mark as Hughie's lads swept to 28-6 victory. Seven points already secured, it was down to Jamie Reid's rink to try and take the maximum. This was the close one right throughout as the lead changed hands as both teams picked up 5 shots at stages of the game. Graeme Prentice, Gary Largue, Jim Bathgate and Jamie Reid were two up with two to go and lost a single to make things ever so close. Unfortunately for the guys, the loss of a three at the final end meant they went down narrowly but a very important 7-2 was achieved and with other results on the evening, it means the Northern now sit mid table and above our old local rivals Tanfield, a position I think we would all have taken at this half way stage of the season.
Not a good night at Hillside as the 2nd string went down
2-7. But certainly not without trying, especially Alan Mitchell and his rink,
who came back from 1-11 to just be pipped at the post. Bob Lee and
his boys though should have stayed in and watched Emmerdale as none of them
turned up for this game and were well beat. To be fair though, lady luck
was most definitely not on their side as they went down to the heaviest defeat
of the season at 6-27. Better news came from Roy Campbell's rink of
Ronnie Scott, Lee McLennan and Walter Murray, as the 'Happy Rink' played
a blinder to come back from losing a 3 at the 2nd last end to fall one behind
at the last, only to reply with their own three to edge a win in a right
battle. A superb display and well done to the glee club. Ronnie MacDonald
fell at the last though in another tight game. Steady Ron & his Ronnettes
will bounce back and take this defeat out on some unsuspecting rink. So
close to a 4-5 result but we are undeterred and BRING ON TANFIELD.
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DISTRICT D-DAY A BRIDGE TO FAR
The District 11 Finals at Wardie saw the Northern represented by both our Triple and Senior Fours and it must be many a long year since we had TWO representitives in these Finals. Both teams faced up against opposition from Craigentinny and as our First XVI found out recently, they don't come much tougher. Unfortunately, our Triple of Ronnie MacDonald, Iain MacDoinald and Ian Miller also found out how difficult these guys can be and by the time they troubled the scoreboard at end 5, they already had an uphill task in front of them. As hard as the lads tried, they just could not get a foothold in the game and congratulations were passed on to the Craigentinny triple with an end to spare.
The Seniors were faring a little better in their game, despite a poor start, and they did manage to claw their way back in to contention. In a 15 end affair, Jimmy Porter, Mike Morrison, Harry Hastie and skip Alex Young had peeled their game at 14 with only two ends left. However, the gents then lost a pair to see them going in to the last 2 behind but a good opening bowl from Jimmy gave them hope. Craigentinny managed to spring the Jack back and wide but skip Alex drew the shot to again give them a chance of a peel. With the opposition skip coming up short, Alex had his last bowl to draw level and it looked good all the way. Unfortunately for the lads though, it ran in to the back of a short bowl our seniors had lost by the narrowest of margins.
Commiserations to all our boys playing in the final but once again, you did yourselves proud and helped put the profile of the Northern up to the fore.
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RAIN FAILS TO DAMPEN NORTHERN's GOLDEN SHOTS
As the rain battered down it was not certain that this game would go ahead but a 15 minute delay allowed us to start and thankfully finish this bottom of the table clash. In a fixture vital for both clubs in the relegation battle, we visited bottom of the table Goldenacre knowing only a big win would give us some comfort following the previous weeks results, so the pressure was on. And the lads got off to a great start as Ian Miller's lads raced away to a 10-0 lead thanks to a SIX at the third end. Goldenacre made a wee mini recovery to 10-6 but it was Darren, Jim, George and Ian who held solid and finished this game a very comfortable 20-11 in front. Not to be outdone, Davy Scott too picked up an early half dozen and his 10-2 early lead was expanded on to leave his new rink of Andy Reid, Mike J. Burns & Hughie Hilson even bigger winners at 24-7. Jamie Reid too had a re-shuffled rink, with 3rd Graham Prentice moving to Lead whilst Jim Bathgate was drafted in at 3rd and Gary Largue 2nd. Jamie's lads were involved in a right tight affair with next to nothing in it all the way. Peels at 11 with only three to go, this could have gone any way but a 3, 1, 2 finish gave the lads a win and another two points. And so it was left to Midnight Burns, who because of the delayed start, was going to be toiling to be off the green before midnight. Despite an encouraging start to the game, losing six ends out of seven meant they were never really in the hunt, despite some fantastic bowling from the new front end in the shape of Garry Harrison and Bob Bain. The 23-13 score line did not justify the performance of these lads and they can feel hard done by as Goldenacre skip Colin Hutchison was just too good. Still, the much required 7-2 victory was achieved and it was a very good night for the Northern as a 2-7 loss for Hillside meant we climbed above them and out of the relegation zone as we prepare to face them next week at home to complete the first half of the season.
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JAMIE JUST COMES UP SHORT IN SCOTTISH SEMI
Having seen our Triples and Senior Fours make it through to the District Final at Wardie on Friday, it was now the turn of young Jamie Reid as he took on the experienced Andrew Sneddon. With the semi-finals being played at Tanfield, Andrew certainly had home advantage, making an already tough tie even tougher. This did not deter young Jamie though and he stretched away to lead 10-7 with both players playing some excellent bowls. A single at the next allowed Sneddon to change tactics by bringing the mat up the green and the ditch in to play and this worked a treat for the Tanfield champion as a 3 allowed him to cross over at 11-10. Unfortunately for Jamie, he appeared to lose his weight slightly, and at this level that is all it takes and Andrew soon found himself with a 17-13 cushion. With Jamie lying touching behind the white at the next end, Sneddon only had a dead weight toucher to play and he is not a Tait Trophy winner for nothing as he produced the perfect bowl at the right time to snatch the shot away to land not only a numerical advantage but a psychological blow too. And it was all over after the next end as a big piece of good fortune for Sneddon, which even the best players are allowed at times I suppose, gave him the 3 he needed to finish the game. With Jamie lying shot Jack High, Andrew tried a heavy running bowl but was tight from hand. A very fortunate flick off one of Jamie's earlier bowls, took Andrew bang on to Jamie's shot bowl and out the head it went to leave the final score at 21-13 to Sneddon. Jamie has the consolation of knowing he gave one of Edinburgh's finest a good run for his money and most certainly did not disgrace either himself or the Northern Bowling Club and I have no doubt he will back there in the not too distant future.
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GEORGE GETS FLUCK OF THE DRAW TO BEAT BROTHER GRAHAM
The final of our Scottish qualifying Fours competition was a bit of a battle of the Prentices, but with three against one, as Darren, Jim & George, ably assisted by Roy Campbell, took on Graham and his rink of Phil Rae, Iain MacDonald and Andy Reid, it looked like it might have been an unfair battle. It was certainly shaping up to look that way in the early stages but it was Graham and his lads who made the early running and after eleven ends, they looked comfortable with a 10-4 lead. Five unanswered ends later though the tables had turned and it was George who sneaked in front 11-10 with only two to play. Darren opened up on a full length Jack with a Beauty, only for it to be bettered by Phil, (who has rediscovered that bowls still do get played at night, this retirement thing must be great) but Darren replied yet again to lie shot. Andy Reid though stepped up to draw the shot back whilst skip Graham nudged it closer. George's last bowl looked the business all the way down but in what must happen a million times in a season, there was a 'hole for a bowl' and George found it, leaving it peels going in to the last end. For once the leads were not close, was it nerves? Then Iain MacDonald drew the shot. Roy failed to alter, Andy covered, George was wide, Graham covered again, then George stepped on to the mat with his last bowl of the game. 'No wi that George' was the cry from the ROC, 'I think you've missed the line'. Two yards from the head, a big contact on a short bowl and a wee tumble over towards the 'white' and the condemned bowl was lying in winning position. Graham and Andy had a conflab in the centre of the green, I didn't ask what they said and I probably couldn't put it up on here anyway, but down went Graham to play the final bowl of the match, only to see it go sailing past and it was the Darren, Jim, Roy and George who finally triumphed over Phil, Iain, Andy and Graham in the closest of finals. Rubs and flukes are all part of our game, we get them, they go against us, but this was a very good game of bowls over 17 ends and whilst the losers will maybe rightly feel unlucky at the way it finished, there were plenty good bowls played all night by both sides to give us a great final. Well done to the winners and commiserations to the runners-up.
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TRIPLE TREAT AS LADS MAKE SBA FINAL
Hard on the heels of our senior rink, the Triple of Ronnie MacDonald, Ian MacDonald and Ian Miller won through to the SBA distrtic Final on Friday 10th June at Wardie as they defeated the Triple from London Road Foundry by 4 shots. In a very tight game right up to the last, it was our boys who stepped up and took a Five shot lead in to the last end and managed to see it through by conceding a single. Well done gents and we now look forward to Tuesday at Tanfield when it's the turn of young Jamie Reid as he plays his semi-final at Tanfield.
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NORTHERN LADS HAVE A TRIPLE SEMI IN SBA
I am delighted to be able to report continued progress in this years SBA competitions as Jamie Reid had a comfortable win in the Scottish singles to see him reach the semi-final stage at Tanfield on Tuesday 6th June, a good turnout of Northern members in support of Jamie would be welcome I'm sure. Jamie has joined our Triples of Ronnie MacDonald, Ian MacDonald and Ian Miller in the semi-final to be played on Friday 3rd June at Hillside and if you can make it along to support the lads, I'm sure they too would appreciate it. And to make it a hat-trick of SBA semi-finalists for the Northern, they will be joined by our Senior rink, skipped by Alex Young, and as I believe that particular semi-final may well be today, I will report the result of this as soon as news comes through, GOOD LUCK TO ALL THE LADS.
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SECOND XVI TRIUMPH AS FIRST's HAVE NOTHING TO DECLARE
On the day last season, when promotion to the top division was confirmed, there was one fixture in particular that was going to prove very difficult in 2011, the trip to Craigentinny. And so it was to be, as early promise in a couple of the rinks was soon wiped away and the dreaded whitewash was to unfold, leaving Northern with nothing to show other than a difficult fixture out of the way.
Back at the Northern ranch though, things were to be a lot brighter as our second XVI took on the Craigentinny hotpots, this time it was our lads who came out on top. Wins for both Ronnie MacDonald's rink of Jimmy Porter, Danny Burns and Robert Bell (23-10) and for Garry Harrison, replacing the ROC at skip, and his lads of Walter Murray, Lee Mclennan and Bob Bain (20-15) was enough to see the aggregate go our way in a fine 5-4 win as Bob Lee (13-15) and Jim Bathgate (7 down) were narrow losers.
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PRENTICE BOYS ARE ROC STEADY
The club SBA Fours semi-final saw the Prentice rink being helped through to the final by the influence of Roy Campbell as they conquered the Burns family and Jim McKenna, who were holders. The Prentices and Roy were never headed, the nearest the opposition got was peeling with fours ends to go, and they were deserved winners. Now it's apologies time as, due to my other club 'duties' I neglected to find out much about the other semi-final, knowing only that Graeme Prentice made it an all family affair as he skipped Andy Reid, Bob Bain and Phil Rae to the Fours Final this coming Monday as they seen off Grant & Alex Young and Gary Largue.
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THE LAST END OF THE WORLD IS NIGH
What a week, and am I not glad that is over, at least bowling wise on a personal basis. Lost by the last bowl of the game in the Scottish Fours, the first XVI lose the game at the LAST end against the 'Berry, then the two Mike Burns go out of the E&LBA pairs at the LAST END at tricky Tanfield on Thursday night. In a game where not much (not much! not ANYTHING) went right for the lads, they still managed to go to the last end peels at 12. However, to be fair to the opposition, they rose to the challenge and neither of the Mike Burns boys got very close and went out in somewhat of a whimper. It was certainly a game they will look back on and think could/should have won but getting the shots on the board is what it's all about and they simply never got the breaks to turn their game in to a winning one.
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DEFEAT SNATCHED FROM THE JAWS OF VICTORY
It was back to league business as the first XVI hosted high flying Queensberry, who came up to the first division with ourselves as runners-up of Div 2 last season. The 'Berry were sitting second in the league behind favourites Craigentinny so this was going to be another tough task and it proved exactly that. However, it looked right across the board early on, excepting of course for Mike Burns rink got off to their usual horrendous start as they found themselves 10 - 0 down after only 3 ends having a 6 at the 2nd. All was not lost though and 9 shots without reply in the next 4 ends saw the lads drag themselves back in the game, then a 5 eventually meant they snatched an unlikely lead. This time Burns and his boys managed to hold on to their lead as they finished 22-17 in front and secure 2 points for the home side. Unfortunately, this was the end of the good news story. Jamie Reid had struggled to keep in touch with in form Queensberry skip, Gordon Wilson jnr and eventually went down 13-21. Unbeaten Davy Scott had been in front all the way but had been clawed back to only one up going to the last. In a crucial game for the overall score, Davy and his lads lost a 4 at the last to lose not only his record but 2 vital points for the Northern. All was not lost though, or so we thought, as a refreshed rink with Ian Miller skipping George, Jim & Darren Prentice went in to the last end 5 shots up and looking comfortable. It was not to be though as Ian lost a 5 for a peel and completed a miserable last end for the Northern in what turned out to be 3-6 defeat, a score nobody would have predicted as we looked set for a 7-2 win of our own going into end 17 across the board. To say the lads were gutted would be an understatement but we simply have to pick ourselves up and get back in the game next week. Although this was a poor last end and result, so far this season we have proved we can compete in the top league and there will, I am sure, be better days ahead.
Over at Willowbrae our 2nd XVI were involved in a battle Royal and the scorecards prove just how tight this was. Roy Campbell's rink came back from 3-11 down to finally peel at 12. Jim Bathgate's rink lost a single at the last to lose by 11-12, Bob Lee reversed this score by scoring a single at the last for a 14-13 victory and Ronnie MacDonald's newly shaped rink came back from 6-16 down to score 4 at the last for a peel at 17, meaning it was a share of the spoils and 4.5 points apiece.
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END OF THE ROAD FOR SCOTTISH FOURS - SINGLES GET THROUGH
News came through last night that, following the call off through injury of Stan Christie, last minute sub Jamie Reid stepped in to represent the Northern in the Scottish singles, at his old stomping ground of Craigentinny. Jamie got the nod very late on for this but this made no difference to him as he cruised through 21-11. Well done Jamie and good luck in the next round.
Our Scottish fours went out of this seasons competition in dramatic fashion down at wind swept Queensberry. Whilst popular belief is lightening never strikes twice in the same place, the freezing cold windy conditions are striking every day it seems, and as far as Jim McKenna, Mike. J. Burns, Allan Mitchell and Mike Burns are concerned, so are bowling results and the way they are being achieved. Having lost out to Parkside in the league by the last bowl of the game, history was to repeat itself at the 'Berry as the lads faced up to a strong Tanfield Four skipped by Willie Paul. Always behind in the game excepting at the 4th end, and having then lost a six as Willie Paul trailed the jack into his own bowls, the lads fought valiantly to drag themselves right back into the game. So much so, they went in to the last end at peels at 15 and when Mike Burns senior turned the head in their favour with a 'plant' shot that saw his own bowl lie almost touching fully in front of the white, it looked like they might have just pulled off the great escape. However, Willie Paul is not an ex Scottish internationilist for nothing, and as he had done many previous times during the game, Willie pulled off the shot of the night under the severest of pressure as, with the final bowl of the match, he halved Mike's bowl off the white to lie perfectly himself. So a disappointing finish for the lads, but they can take comfort in the fact it took something special to beat them.
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IT'S CLUB SBA TO THE FOUR
The club SBA qualifying Fours got underway in earnest following last weeks' prelim round and the tie of the round had to be between the 'Dream Team' of Stan Christie, Hughie Hilson, Gordon Wilson & Davy Scott versus Andy Reid Graeme Prentice, Jim Bathgate & Jamie Reid. It was the 'Dream Team' who made the better start, the favourites flying off to a 10-2 lead after 7 ends, but this was to be very much a game of two halves. Jamie Reid and his rink scored in 7 of the next 9 ends to peel going in to the final end and it was going to be unlucky 13 for one of the rinks. Indeed it was Jamie's lads who held their nerve by scoring a single to win 14-13 in what was described as a very good game in blustery difficult conditions. With Robert Bell's rink having already scratched, Alex Young's lads were given a walk-over, leaving the other two games to finish things off. The last two winners meant a semi-final battle of the families as Jim, Darren & George Prentice, accompanied by the ROC, won through to face the Burns boys of Danny, Mike. J. and Mike, along with Jim McKenna, next Monday.
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HEARTS IN A JAMBO-LEE AS THE HIBEES ARE THE LOO-SERS
The last Edinburgh derby of the season unfortunately went the same way as those played on the fitba park as the annual Hibs v Hearts game was won by those in maroon. It was another good turnout on a day the weather forecaster thankfully got it wrong, the predicted heavy afternoon rain not materialising. Four full rinks each saw the Jambos win three and peel the other, the ROC scoring a double at the last end against Bob Lee to avoid a Maroon wash of the Hibees. As is the norm in these games, there was plenty friendly banter being banded about and it all helps with the good nature of the day. Hibs Captain George Prentice went down by 07 shots, whilst Mike Burns was 3 down to young Jamie Reid and Ian Miller ten adrift to Stan Christie. Back in the clubhouse, Hearts captain Garry Harrison took great pleasure in presenting the Hibs captain, George Prentice, with the loosers trophy of the toilet seat as Garry took the James Taylor trophy to even up the over all scores in this fixture at 8-8. Despite the disappointing defeat, there was still worse to follow as what must be rated as the WORST ever football songs ever to be recorded, was played over the sound system. In fact it was so bad that even some of our Jambo opponents pleaded to get this turned off, however it was not enough to spoil a very good day out.
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TRIPLES & FOURS GIVEN THE ELBA
Following the success of last Thursday it was back to ELBA business last night, unfortunately this time though, there is little good news to report as both our Triples & Fours fell at this hurdle. One bright spot for the Northern was in the Pairs where the Two Mike Burns managed to secure another win up at a slick running Slateford green, a green yards faster than anything played on anywhere else this season. In a carbon copy of their win in the Scottish Fours on Tuesday night with Jim McKenna and Allan Mitchell, the lads got off to a poor start before clawing their way back in to the game. The carbon paper was out again as with two ends to play and well in command, the Two Mike Burns lost a four to give their opponents some hope as they now sat 3 shots up going in to the last end, exactly as happened in the SBA Fours. This time though there was no nippy bum last bowl heroics required by the senior of the M.B.'s as Young Mike nailed the white with a beauty, leaving the Willowbrae skip almost no shot to play and the win was secured.
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REID ALL ABOUT IT, SCOTT OF THE ANTARTIC LEADS THE WAY
Somebody said last night that the Australians probably play bowls nearly all year round, what they didn't mention though was, the Australian winters are probably better than a lot of our so called summer nights. Last night must have been one of the coldest, windiest nights anybody anywhere in the world had ever attempted to bowl, as Jim McKenna said 'even the polar bears were wearing their thermal coats', Sunshine On Leith my arse. Anyway, on to the bowling itself and it was indeed a trip to Leith for the first XVI, who were sitting bottom of the table after the toughest possible opening two fixtures for them. As my thawing brain tries to recall the events, you have to excuse me a possibly shortened report. Davy Scott's rink got off to a flier and raced away to a big lead. Despite a mini recovery by the Leith Team, Davy finished strongly for a comfortable 25-14 victory and 2 points. The other three rinks were involved in their own tussles, however, despite edging in front in their respective games, both Mike Burns & Hughie Hilson once again went down with 13-20 and 17-22 defeats respectively. It was left to Jamie Reid's rink to try and turn around their game and turn it around they certainly did as they eventually stormed off to a 22-12 win, ensuring the Northern picked up our first away victory of the season with a 5-4 result in our favour.
At home, the 2nd XVI faced 2nd top Postal and wins for Jim
Bathgate & Roy Campbell was enough to secure a 5-4 win for the Northern. The
Second sixteen could have had a 7-2 if the silverback and his rink had turned
up, just a poor display by the four, who just could not get the bowls up
on rink five . It was mentioned in the dressing room afterwards and we just
dust ourself down and play better next week. 16-9 down.
Jim Bathgate had a cruise of a win. It was mentioned that GRANT YOUNG had
a blinder.
They rink started off well and never seem to stop . If there was any
more ends to play I think postal would have put the white flag out. Excellent
display by the rink.
Alex Young put up a stalwart display being 9-1 down to get up to peels then
take the lead. It was a valiant effort to just get pipped at the post. But
we can see that never say never attitude by the squad is still there. Great
effort.
ROC and his squad fought out a workmen like game A hard battle
went on rink 1 but the attitude was once again to the fore . we are
not beat until it's over.
Keep up this fighting spirit boys, we are no pushovers now.
A well earned 5-4 victory WELL DONE FROM ROVER THE
REPORTER
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OFF AND RUNNING
Although Jim Prentice was officially the first man through to the first round proper from this seasons' prelim of the Championship, it was due to a 'walk over' as unfortunately Stevie Raeburn has had to withdraw due to injury. The first actual qualifier on the green then was Darren Prentice as he faced up to 'auld heid' Jim Bathgate on a wet, windy and miserable Monday night. This turned out to be a cracker too as Darren seemed to just be able to keep his nose in front for most of the way and finally managed to see off Jim with a 21-17 win. Last years' beaten finalist Garry Harrison had a tough start in the shape of first sixteen skip Hughie Hilson, and it was Hughie who looked like he was about to take the honours in this battle. In a very tight affair, there was nothing in it all the way until Hughie edged out to 18-13. However, Garry is never beaten these days and he managed to claw his way to 19-18 in front with some very good bowling. A double saw Hughie leapfrog Garry this time and opened the next end with an excellent full length draw. It was not excellent enough though as Garry trailed the white through and then added another with another trail to the edge of the ditch. Hughie saved game against with his last bowl but Garry has gotten used to taking first sixteen scalps and another one bit the dust as he drew a beauty for a 2nd shot and game for a 21-20 victory.
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PRELIMINARY MY DEAR ELBA
A wee bit of good news following Wednesday night's league results is that all three of our E&LBA representatives got through their respective prelim ties on Thursday night. The pairs made the trip up to Colinton Mains to face Currie and 'there's only TWO Mike Burns' partnered each other to win comfortably in the end, their opponents conceding with still two ends to play. Our Triples travelled to Sighthill to face fellow Div One club Hillside, with Andy Reid, Allan Mitchell & Jim Bathgate winning through, whilst our Fours faced old foes Corstorphine (we have to play them at least once a season eh) at Blackhall with 'Silverback' Bob Lee and his lads also qualifying for the first round proper next week. The win for the lads also included a FULL HOUSE EIGHT, which merely rubbed salt into a gaping wound as the Corstorphine rink had decided against calling it quits in a last ditch attempt to try and score highly themselves. In the Fleming Junior Singles, Jamie Reid was given a 'walk over' when his opponent pulled out and unfortunately Darren Prentice just failed to make it a complete sweep as he went down 21-14. A quick response from the lads to banish the memory of the night before hangover, well done to all the lads concerned and good luck next week.
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IT'S TOUGH AT THE TOP
No one was under any illussion that returning to the Top division was going to be anything other than tough and so it proved on week 2 of the league season. As both XVI's again faced the same opposition, it was Parkside who played host to the First XVI whilst our seconds returned the compliment at the Northern. And it was to be an unhappy evening as we both were on the wrong end of a 2-7 scoreline on a cold and damp May day. Last weeks first XVI star Jamie Reid was unable to repeat his victorious start as his rink crashed to a 9-23 defeat whilst Hughie Hilson's lads fared no better, despite picking up 3 shots at the first end, as they also lost heavily 9-26. The aggregate was well and truly lost with these scores however our other two rinks, skipped by Davy Scott & Mike Burns were involved in tight battles. Only once in the early exchanges had Mike's rink fell behind, by a single shot, and it was to be the 15th end before this happened again. One down, two to play and lying shot, the young Parkside skip played a great take-out bowl to turn the head to two shots in his favour as Burns failed to save, not for the first time during this match. So, needing a three for peels at the last and with one bowl each to play, it was once again the young Parkside skip who came to their rescue as he saved the lie of three against as he trailed the Jack with his last bowl into a position which gave Mike no shot to play, which was the result of this end as both Parkside & Northern bowls were touching. This left it all to Davy Scott's lads, who had never been headed in the game, were also involved in a titanic battle. One up going to the last and lying two shots, Parkside skip Rab Donaldson, who had made a name for himself in the EEN of that day, hit the target with a running bowl and sprung the white, it was now down to lady luck to see where the white finished. Fortunately for the Northern lads, it landed closer to one of our own bowls, leaving Davy in the happy position of not having to play his last bowl, and at that, Northern had secured two points from an otherwise unhappy night.
As previously mentioned, our 2nd XVI also went down 2-7 at home to Parkside and a more full report will hopefully appear here later.
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WINNING RETURN FOR FIRST XVI WHILST 2nds LOSE NARROWLY AWAY
The 2011 league season got under way with both XVI's involved in a 'Local Derby' against Tanfield. Whilst the faces were by and large very similar to last year, the teams did have a slightly different look about them, especially as the first XVI welcomed back Andy Reid to the club and his laddie Jamie making his debut for the Northern. However, it was 'auld heid' Davy Scott who got the new season off to a flier for us. 7-0 up after 3 ends, Davy and his lads never looked back and the first two points of 2011 were in the bag. Hughie Hilson's rink were slowly away, losing 4 at the first but quickly pulled this back to peel at 4, 5 then 6. The loss of three shots at the 11th end opened up a wee gap and another three 3 ends later left the boys toiling. A brilliant six at the last end though pulled the score back to only a two shot defeat and at 15-17 and this was to prove vital later for the aggregate. The game was not the only thing Hughie lost this night, a wee bet with 'Midnight' Burns also going as Mike was next off the green (yes, that's right, he was NOT last off). Mike's rink had built a wee lead at the half way point but in a very tight encounter, this was eventually whittled away to see peels at Nine with only 4 ends to go. In what was undoubtably the WORST two bowls ever played by anybody this season (and it might take some beating) Burns redeemed himself by turning a lie of SIX against into a one shot advantage to keep things tight in the game. It was Graeme McIntosh though who turned this game as he turned through the shot bowl of George Prentice to lie 4 shots and Burns failed to with his last to convert and this was chalked up as a narrow defeat at 11-15. The BIG drama though, was yet to unfold as new skip Jamie Reid and his rink were battling it out to the end. In another tight game that the Northern held the advantage in right to the 2nd last end, they then found themselves one shot behind going in to the last. With shot against Jamie and only the skips to play, Jamie ran the shot bowl on to the white and through to see Northern lie the shot. Tanfield skip Stuart Campbell failed to alter with either of his efforts and with the very last bowl of the match, Jamie drew a 2nd shot to see Northern win by one shot and the game 5-4. Jamie;s rink described this win as a 'One Man Band' so his lads better get their fingers out of the dark places as Jamie certainly does not want to become known as Leo Sayer so early in his Northern career. A brilliant victory over our 'auld adversaries' and a winning start to our return to the top division.
TANFIELD 1830HRS and two sets of gladiators enter
the arena with the evening sun shining and the both set of players
looking resplendent in there playing tops.
Then to battle and although the ROC had a tough rink to play against, it
was all pretty even at the start, but little rubs against ROC & his boys
saw them go down narrowly.
Alex Young put up a brave fight once again, nip & tuck all the
way, but at the end Tanfield edged away. Two down two to play,
JB & BL rinks still in battle.
The Jim Bathgate rink seem to go from strength to strength battling to a
resounding victory with a good clear margin of 20-14. Well done JBs rink.
It was down to the wire, The Silver Backs rink was in a tough battle with
Marshall & his stalwarts . It went neck & neck, 2-2, 10-10, 12-12,
then Geoff ANDERSON & TAM WHITECROSS stepped up to pummel the white,
making it a cake walk for past president G HARRISON and the SILVER BACK LEE
to sit back and admire, though GARY H sent down two super bowls to clinch
a four. This gave us a clear lead.
To snatch four points in the game was excellent and not many clubs will go
to Tanfield and come away with that result .
WELL DONE NORTHERN
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AND NOW FOR THE SERIOUS STUFF - THE 2011 CHAMPIONSHIP
The draw for this season's championship was made last night by matches secretary Roy Campbell, ably assisted by Bob Lee and Bob Bain, and first out the hat was last years' runner-up, IPP Garry Harrison in what should be a cracking opener as he faces Hughie Hilson. Defending Champion, President Stan Christie misses the prelims and opens his defence against Roy Muir. New members Tom Hall, Danny Burns and Lee McLennan face Barry Walker, Geoff Anderson and Walter Murray respectively, although Andy & Jamie Reid were unable to enter this year. Also missing from this years draw are Mike Burns & Ian Miller as both have future commitments which mean they could not make later dates if they were fortunate enough to progress.
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OLDIES GO DOWN TO GOLDEN BOWLS
On a lovely sunny, slightly chilly, Friday wedding afternoon, there was a healthy turnout for the annual OLDIES v GOLDEN OLDIES match. It might have been hard at first glance to figure out who was playing for who, but Mike Burns, Roy Campbell and Geoff Anderson somehow managed to sneak in to the OLDIES team, with Garry Harrison obviously pulling in some favours as he did the same. However it was our Golden guys that started off the best and Gus McKenzie, Ian Smith & Ian MacDonald showed that Bowls is indeed an 'old mans game' as they won comfortably against 'youngsters' ? Geof Anderson, Garry Harrison and Hughie Hilson 15-9. So it was left to the young team of Darren Prentice, Mike J. Burns, Roy Campbell and Mike Burns to prove there is still 'young talent' at the club and this they did with a convincing 17-4 victory against the really auld yins of John Ingram, Mike Morrison, Bob Bain and the ageing skip that is Allan Mitchell. Surprisingly, Mike Burns was not last off the green today, leaving Gary Largue, Grant Young & Stan Christie to battle it out for the trophy against Alex Young, Tam Whitecross and Silverback Bob Lee. Unfortunately for the Oldies, it was Silverback's men who won easily, helped by scoring a SIX (just in case somebody in Edinburgh never heard the shouts during the game, it was a SIX) meaning the GOLDEN OLDIES won the day.
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ALL THE PRESIDENTS MEN SCRAPE A NARROW OPENING DAY WIN
It may not have been the warmest day we have had for Opening day but the sun was shining and it brought out a good attendance from the members. It was good to see the return of Andy Reid to the club and we also welcomed Lee McLennan, (apparently Kyle 'Laugh'erty looks like Lee) who joins the Northern, although Lee has played several times on the green as a visiting player. Five Triples and a Pairs saw the six rinks in use but before the 'serious' stuff took place, the Green was officially opened by Sarah Christie rolling the first White, followed by mum Jacquie rolling the first bowl to a very good 3 feet 6 1/2 inches. In what is fast becoming a new tradition, there followed a 'Spider' which starts with everyone surrounding the green and rolling one bowl to the Jack in the centre, won by Barrie Walker. Down to the main event of President v Vice President and this turned in to a very close encounter. Vice President Gary's team came off with three wins, although it was President Stan who took the honours in their own head to head with a 16-8 voctory. However, Ian Miller, Willie Rae and Alex Young all came through for the V.P with big wins and it was left to Gordon Wilson and Mike Burns to edge their way home for the narrowest of wins for President Stan with an overall shots total of 83-80. A good start to the season and well supported by the members.
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GORDON IS GAY AS HE LAYS CARPET COMEBACK MAGIC
The first ever Winter League season came to an official end on Monday night as the semi-finalists of the carpet mini bowls took to the floor. Due to the fact that Section Two runner up Allan Mitchell was unable to take part in the semi-final, it was felt a play-off between between 3rd and 4th place Bob Bain and Gordon Wilson should take place to complete the semi-final line up. It was Bob who stormed off in to what looked an unassailable lead, 8-1 in front with only three ends to play. However, Gordon had his eyes on the money and fought back to eventually win 9-8 in an incredible recovery. This left us with Gordon facing Section One winner Roy Campbell, whilst Jim Bathgate, winner in Section Two, faced Ian Miller. Ian ran away to a very familiar score line of 7-0 after 5 ends but Jim must have been drinking from the same pint as Gordon as he clawed his way back to be only one behind going to the last end. It was Ian though who held his nerve and scraped through 8-6 to be the very first ever finalist of the carpet mini bowls league. The other semi-final was described as 'The worst game of the night by a margin' but it was Gordon Wilson who edged it over the ROC by 8-6, meaning both section winners fell at the semi-final stage. So it was left to Ian Miller and Gordon Wilson to battle it out and Ian made the better start, leading 4-1 after three ends and then 6-4 playing the last. Two shots at eighth and final end for Gordon meant we had an extra end shoot out for the First Final and having looking as though it was a night to be spectating for Gordon after his early play against Bob, the 'COMEBACK KID' did it again by winning the last end and taking the Title of Carept Mini Bowls Champion, not just a Gay Gordon, he was absolutely delighted and congratulations to him. As I have said many times before, the real winner was the Northern Bowling Club, as the competitions have brought much needed additional income to the club. Huge thanks must go to everyone who took part in this. The feedback from those participating has been fantastic and EVERYBODY has thoroughly enjoyed themselves throughout the winter. Special thanks go to Roy Campbell for running three highly succesful competitions, it has been a bit of a heid nipper for Roy at times but he kept things going superbly well. Immediate Past President Garry Harrison presented the winners of the three competition with their prizes, Roy Campbell winning the Darts, Bobby Lee winning the Doms and of course Gordon Wilson happily winning the Bowls, very well done Gents.
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THE LOO-SERS TAKE IT ALL
The Race Night held in the club on Friday 18th March, in an effort to raise funds for the refurbishment of the Gents toilet, proved to be a huge success. Nine races, including two auction races, helped raise just over £1,000 and a massive thanks must go to everyone who turned up to support this evening, including many guests. Big thanks in particular go to the helpers on the night, which was all of the Christie clan, our Vice President Gary and Jim McKenna, plus Bobby Lee who helped run the evenings racing. In honour of the amount of money he lost on the night, having never backed a winner, or even looking like backing a winner, it was suggested that since we have the Davy Mitchell lounge, we should now have the BURNS BOG. A highly successful and enjoyable evening, especially for our Treasurer Jim Bathgate who had FOUR winners on the TROT, and a very well attended event.
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A MESSAGE FROM THE PAST
As Garry Harrison handed over the Presidency of the Northern Bowling Club to Stan Christie, following Four years of incredibly hard work (officially at least, but Garry has been working hard for the Northern for many more years as an ordinary member) he has asked me to pass on his thanks, so in his own words
Congratulations and Good Luck to our New President Stanley and his newly appointed Vice President Gary Largue, GOOD LUCK IN YOUR NEW POSITIONS. Also many thanks to all the members who have given up their time helping re-furbish the club, with all the good work done over the recent few years. And lastly, many thanks and a BIG WELL DONE to all the committee members who have served during my reign and helped do everything that needed to be done to maintain our club to the standard of today.
Good Luck to the present committee and all the members of the Northern Bowling Club for the coming year in particular'
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THE ROC FLIES HIGH AS GENERAL LEE HAS THEM CHAPPING
The winter league season has almost come to an end, with only the carpet mini bowls to be decided. Roy Campbell fell late on to Jimmy Bathgate to deny him a clean sweep in the Darts, but in the end, it was still a very comfortable win for the ROC who seems to be the undisputed main man with the arrows. Allan Mitchell failed to capitalise on Roy's slip up as he also went down in the same week, but again Allan was good enough to finish runner-up. In the Dominos, it was a late surge by Bobby Lee that made all the difference as long term leaders, Kenny Dixon, Jimmy Martin and a strong finishing Garry Harrison, all fell as Bob stormed in front to take the bones out of his challengers, finally winning by 6 points to Kenny Dixon. The carpet bowls though is still the one to be fought for. Roy Campbell was the master in section one, although Ian Miller can still topple him as he remains one point behind with two games in hand. With the top two qualifying for a semi-final play off, these two are uncatchable as Gary Largue just fell short of the front runners. Section Two has turned out to be very interesting as section leader Allan Mitchell cannot make the play-off. It has therefore been decided to allow the person finishing in third spot to qualify for the seni-final, leaving Jim Bathgate as one qualifier and Bob Bain and Gordon Wilson fighting it out to see who joins him. With BIG money up for grabs to the overall winner (well maybe a couple of pints anyway) that should be enough to entice the lads along to complete their fixtures and snatch the one remaining place.
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DERBY DAY START FOR 2011
Apparently the fixture list for the 2011 EBL Bowling season has been drawn up and I have managed to get a wee sneaky peek at the first week. And I can EXCLUSIVELY REVEAL (always wanted to say that :-)) that our First XVI will roll off with a home game against our old rivals Tanfield in an opening day derby fixture. It is not yet known whether this will be shown on Sky or ESPN so maybe it's better to speak to the selectors after the AGM, drop them a few quid and try and ensure you get a jersey for that evening, it might be the only way to beat the crowds :-). So far this is the only fixture I have been made aware of for ourselves, but keep checking the website as I believe the rest will be available soon, and as soon as I have them they will be posted here. For those of you interested, the rest of the First XVI fixtures that evening are Goldenacre v Queensberry; Hillside v Craigentinny and Leith v Parkside, and for those of you not interested, too late.