2007 Season
FLIGHTS OF FANCY
Roy Campbell once again retained his Darts trophy by beating Jim prentice in the final. Roy looked as though he was about to give up his trophy in the semi final as Mike J. Burns had him on the ropes, but to true to the champion he is, Roy fought back as Mike missed several chances to win the game. This is Roy's FOURTH straight darts title and he is already looking for a stronger challange for next year.....................Anybody up to the task? you have a year to practice.
PRESENTATION of PRIZES
Friday Nov 16th saw our annual Presentation of Prizes night take place, and a very successful night it was too. Despite the obvious absence of some major prize winners, including our Champion George Prentice who had a prior engagement, and Shuggie Hilson who had taken ill, the night turned out to be a very enjoyable one. Roy Campbell accepted the Championship trophy on behalf of his life long mate George, and did a very good, slightly touching speach on George's behalf, well done Roy. I would like to go on a tell a few tales of embarrassment from members of the evening, just for a laugh, but unfotunately, the polish in all the cups that were passed around that evening seems to have dulled my memory a bit (it obviously had nothing to do with the liquid content in these cups). A fine evening and we can hopefully now look forward to our Christmas night on Saturday Dec 22nd. Tickets will be on sale for this from Monday 26th Nov, OR SOONER.
THE PRENTICE BOYS
The name GEORGE PRENTICE has long been synonymous with the Northern Bowling club. George Senior was an absolute legend and stalwart of our club in the years gone by and his legacy lives on in the club in the shape of his 'wee' boys Jim, Graham and George, with younger brother Ian being a past member and champion of the club, as was Graham, who was also a past Champion. So, with George 'junior' reaching this years championship final against Gordon Wilson, the pressure was on George to live up to the great family name.
And live up to it is exactly what 'young' George did.
Getting off to a flyer was what George probably dreamed of and he took an early lead against Gordon. However, Gordon didn't get into the final by luck, and the expected comeback took place as the game see-sawed back and forth until it reached peels at 14. This was the turning point every game normally has and playing to longer length jack, George snatched a three to take him to 17. A two and a single took George to 20 and at the next end, with George lying championship game, Gordon drew in with his last bowl to save the day. A single at the next end made things very interesting and one wondered if this was going to go the whole distance, but George showed true grit and finally got the single he needed to join his brothers Graham and Ian as CHAMPIONS of the Northern Bowling club. With absolute total respect to Gordon Wilson, who has contributed greatly to the Northern in his relatively short time as a member of the club, I don't think anyone could grudge George his deserved victory, the man was a picture of delight as he held aloft his trophy and a thoroughly genuine huge round of applause greeted him. With every winner, there has to be a loser, and all credit to Gordon, who took his disappointing with his usual grace and smile, both finalists are a huge credit to our club.
Commiserations to Gordon but a massive CONGRATULATIONS to GEORGE PRENTICE, NORTHERN BOWLING CLUB CHAMPION, 2007
A WELCOME INVITATION
Saturday 22nd September saw the re-introduction of what was once, one of the more popular tournaments in our bowling calendar. It has been three years since we last played this and once again, its popularity shone through. The initial 24 slots were quickly taken and we even had substitute pairs standing by at the ready. With the weather being kind to kind to us so late in the season, a great day was had by all and after the four section winners and the runners up had battled it out, it was left to Jim Taylor and his partner, former member John Urquhart, to lift the trophy in a hard fought final against Stan Christie and his partner from Burntisland.
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The very first Consolation Cup Final was played recently between Bob Lee, beaten in the first round of the championship, and Michael J Burns, a new member and bowler. The game was a close affair, well it was at the start anyway at 0-0 as Bob proved to be too experienced for our newcomer. Mike himself admits he was never at the races and Bob raced away to a comfortable victory. Congratulations to Bob but this is a trophy he will be hoping he does not have to defend next year.
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With very little happening on the competition front, as the nights draw in quickly, it is good to be able to report another TWO competitions came to their conclusions recently.
In the Presidents/Handicap singles, Stan Christie managed to overcome Gary Largue in a very hard fought game, to add another singles title to his long list in these events. Stan himself conceded that Gary had given him an extremely tough game and was a bit relieved to overcome the handicaps in place and claim this title.
However, Mr Christie was not finished yet for this season and days later, notched up yet another singles trophy for the season by beating Roy Campbell in the Charlie Kinnear 2 bowl by the margin of 21-12. The pair peeled at 10 apiece before Stan found his range and his consistency was enough to get him through to lift the trophy.
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Another two club competitions are nearing their conclusion. In the Charlie Kinnear TWO BOWL, Roy Campbell was 21-18 winner over Stevie Raeburn, who has had a very successful first year introduction to bowls. Roy now awaits the winner of the other semi-final between Stan Christie and Harry Hastie.
In the Presidents Handicap, Gary Largue, who was off +3, beat double SBA winner and the holder of the Presidents trophy, Allan Mitchell (-3), 21-12, and plays that man Christie in the Final.
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IT'S MITCHELL TO THE FOUR - AGAIN
Hard on the heels of his Pairs victory, Allan Mitchell was out the next evening, skipping a rink in the fours final. He was joined this time around by Jimmy Martin, Ronnie Scott and Harry Hastie, and his opposition was almost a family affair of Colin Bell, Robbie Paterson, Bobby Bell and the 'outsider' being skip George Prentice. With George being Club Champion and Allan winning the Pairs, one of these two were going to have a double SBA winning season.And it was that Mitchell who was to win this particular tussle, in a very close 17-13 victory, played on a very fast green which all the lads seemed to have difficulty in mastering. A convincing 7-1 start by Mitchell's rinkwas countered by George and the boys when they picked up a 5 to sneak into a 12-9 lead. However Allan's four were having none of that and a 4 and a 3 in the next two ends, gace them a comfortable lead going into the last two ends of the game. George was a bit unfortunate to trail the white with his last bowl at the 2nd last end, turning a count of two, dow to a single, a foot less weight and a 3,4 or maybe even 5 was going to be measured for. It gave them an uphille struggle as they required three at the last to peel and again George missed the trail by a whisker with his last bowl to leave Jimmy, Ronnie, Harry and Allan as this seasons SBA rink winners.
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A FINE PAIR
Thursday saw the final of our SBA qualifying Pairs between Walter Murray and Graham Bell, against Allan Mitchell and Shuggie Hilson. Whilst the latter pair would start favourites for the trophy, Graham and Walter had taken some very good scalps on the way to the final and it was going to be interesting to see if they could keep up their good form. 4-2 for Shuggie and Allan after four ends suggested this might be the case, however, it all turned out horribly wrong for Walter and Graham and in an extremely one sided affair, they never troubled the scoring again as Allan & Shuggie went on to coast to a 28-2 victory. As always, commiserations to the losers and big congratulations go to Allan & Shuggie. Both these lads seem to specialise in this competition as they have each won it on several occasions with different partners.
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Auld Acquantance
Congratulations go to our seniors who successfully defended their TOP TEN trophy against Willowbrae at Dudley. Wins for the ever reliable Andy Irving in the singles, 21-16, and the Triple of Bob Meldrum, Jimmy Reid and Jimmy Porter, 16-10, along with a hard fought peel in the Fours of Jimmy Martin, Pat Watt, Kenny Dixon and Phil Rae, 13-13, was more than enough to keep the trophy at the Northern. Harry Hastie and Alex Young were the losers in the pairs, but by this time it was all very much academic and the Northern Seniors had won the trophy for the 6th time.
TOM, DICK & HARRY
Steve McQueen eat your heart out. You may have took part in the film 'The Great Escape' but this was nothing compared to events in the Final of our SBA qualifying Triples.
John Young, Jim Henderson and Mike Burns took on Jimmy Porter, Kenny Dixon and Phil Rae, and it was Phil's three who got off to a flier. 8-0 up after 4 ends and nothing coming off for the opposition, things looked ominouse even from this early stage. A single at the 5th end allowed a change of tactics for Mike's team and the mat up the green worked well as they clawed the score back to 8-7. However, Phil was playing well at skip and was never far away and a 2 then a single, increased their lead again. Back came Burns's boys though and peels were called at 11 after 12 ends and it was getting nervy as the game drew to it's conclusion.
Jimmy Porter was finding his range from lead and Kenny was proving dangerous with his running bowls, but it was Phil who was the star man on the green this time, converting a 2 against to 2 in his favour with his last bowl. A further two for the lads meant a mountain to climb for Burns, with the scores reading 15-11 in Phil's favour going into the last end.
And what a last end, or should that be two ends? With no way of retrieving the situation, it was left for Burns to try and 'burn it' and with his final bowl, a lucky flick from his wide drive onto Kenny's bowl, sent it onto the Jack and out the side of the rink. To be fair, it was probably one of the rare slices of luck they had in the whole game, but that's bowls eh! So it was everything back to start again and in almost an identical situation, Burnsie needed to move the white to keep them in the game. With Phil unable to cover the back bowls, Jack in the ditch was the call, and again with his last bowl. Mike did exactly that. Out came three shots and in scenes reminiscent of his final against Kevin Rice, the extended measure from the umpires kit was called. This time though Mike won the measure to take the game into an extra end, in the pitch dark.
After the leads had played, John Young was lying the shot. Then Kenny Dixon almost ditched the white but only succeeded in jamming it against John's back bowl. Jim then came down and almost ditched the white himself and with two touchers in the ditch and the Jack about an inch away from the going in itself, it was a case of, who was going to ditch it first. Well a great effort from Kenny only just failed and this opened the door for Jim, who played a brilliant bowl to play onto his own short bowl and ditch the white, jamming it between his 'toucher' and banking, unbeatable, and the great escape was complete. Commiseration to Jimmy, Kenny and Phil, who was undoubtably Man of the Match but congratulations to John, Jim and Mike for sticking with it and never giving up.
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TRIPLE TREAT
The first ever Jackie Christie Northern Invitation Triples tournament was held at the club on Sunday with triples coming from and wide to take part in honour of Jackie. The trophy was kindly donated by the Christie family and replaced our old trophy of the same tournament and we hope that the it will now become an annual event.
The heavy rain over the weekend made it very doubtful if it would go ahead at all, but some sterling work by Stan and Sarah Christie in brushing off excess water from the surface and laying out covers on the heads, allowed the tournament to proceed with a delayed start, well done to both of them. The event was kindly sponsored by Whyte & McKay, which allowed us to give the quarter finalists a small financial reward for their efforts. However, it was the two triples from Burntisland who contested the final and took away the honours and we would hope that they, along with all the other invited clubs, will be back next season, with the winners defending their trophy.
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This week has seen the club SBA qualifying competitions move to the FINAL stages. Wednesday saw the Triples semi-finals played out with Mike Burns and Phil Rae's Triples winning through to face each other this coming Wednesday.
On Thursday, the 2nd Pairs semi-final was completed and in an absolute epic game, Graham Bell and Walter Murray edged through to the final with a single shot victory over Mike Burns & John Young. As the game swung back and forth throughout, Graham and Walter needed a two at the last to progrees to the Final and Two it was for the lads. Graham had been 'Man of the Match' throughout the game and the fact that it was a last end, full length Jack in the pitch black, made no difference to Graham. Walter had already drew the shot to lay at peels and with Graham's last bowl, he drew in for a 2nd and game lie. A desperate DRIVE by Mike to try and rescue the game, failed, although all hearts were in the mouth as the bowl careered towards the head. However a wrong (or right, depending on who you are) contact on the front bowl took the drive away with no damage to the head and Graham and Walter deservedly went through to meet Shuggie Hilson and Allan Mitchell in the final
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With the League tables finally updated, it shows just how close how our 2nd XVI actually came to promotion. We all know now we only lost out by a mere 22 shots to Pilrig, over the whole season, but it was equally as close to winning the league as table toppers Willowbrae scraped home by a point thanks to their only winning rink gaining an extra point in their final league game, in a 6-3 defeat. Dropping out their division are Corstorphine and Liberton, who were relegated, and they will be joined by newly promoted Queensberry and Mayfield.
The first XVI drop down to Div 3 and along with Niddrie, we will be visiting Brunstane, LRF, Summerside, Liberton and the newly promoted Blackhall and Edinburgh. We can only hope for improved fortune and performances from the lads for 2008.
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Handy Andy
Thursday afternoon saw the turn of the Seniors Section to play out their Singles Final. Once again, Andrew Irving had made it all the way and was there to defend his title, which had won the previous two years. His opponent this year was 'young' Phil Rae, young compared to Andrew anyway but then, who isn't? Andrew had a battle on his hands with Phil and with Phil sitting at 19-16 up, it looked a new champion for the seniors too. However, Andrew had other ideas and was not about to relinquish his title easily. A four to 20 was quickly followed up by a single at next end and Andrew had defended his title for a 2nd time and three straight senior singles titles in a row.
Many Congratluations to Andy and commiserations to Phil
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In a meaningless end of season fixture for the first XVI, it was maybe no surprise that the lads suffered a 9-0 defeat on a lightening quick green at Corstorphine.Debuts were handed to Michael J. Burns, Steve Raeburn and Geoff Anderson and despite the heavy defeated, the lads enjoyed the experience. This result helped our guests avoid relegation so we will not back there next season.
In a dramatic end to the league season for the 2nd XVI, an 8-1 victory at home to Corstorphine, coupled with a 9-0 defeat to league leaders Pilrig, meant our lads missed out on promotion by a whisker. Tied on Points with Pilrig, it came down to shots difference and unfortunately for us, we fell around 20 shots short. If only Jimmy Bathgate had made a three at the last end for a win rather than peel, we would have went up (sorry Jimmy, I simply couldn't resist that). In reality, leagues are won and lost over the whole season and not just one result, but it was a magnificent effort by all the lads (including Jimmy, where's these wee smillies when you need them) and they should all be proud of themselves. In an equally dramtic turn of events, Corstorphine's 2nds, who had been sitting FOURTH in the league, apparently ended up relegated on the back of the results of the final night and I think the Corrie boys were shellshocked by that news.
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Ten OUT of Ten
Our Top Ten campaign of 2007 came to a halt on Tuesday with the narrowest of defeats to the might of Sighthill. With Mike Burns proving to himself at least that he can indeed play singles, by winning comfotably 21-9 and getting the Northern off to a very good start, it was left to the other lads to do the Biz. It looked like the rink was going to take a right good hammering at home but a spirited fight back in a high scoring game, saw them close the gap to a 24-18 loss. Up at Sighthill, the pairs of Jim Taylor and Gordon Wilson were always well behind, however a four at the last end meant that our triple of Jim Bathgate, Jim Henderson and George Prentice only needed to win their last end for the club to progress to the next round. Unfortunately the lads lost a three to peel their game but in reality, it didn't matter as winning the end was the all important factor. A brave effort from everyone but, there's always next year
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A Great Mix
Sunday past saw our mixed pairs event take place, a competition growing in popularity every year, very much thanks to the efforts of Roy Campbell again. A healthy 16 pairs entered and this could easily have more as other pairs who showed an interest were just a tad late with their entries, next year though folks, look out for the date on the web site.
the day was sponsored by Alison & Gus MacKenzie and 16 pairs played. Janice Aitchison returned to defend the title she won with BJ Smith last year, albeit with a new partner Keith Adamson, and it was very nearly a successful defence as they reached the final. The winners however were Jim Taylor and Rita Reid, with a little help from Gary Largue who played the first game in Jim's stead as he was unavoidably delayed. The games were played in a 4 section format of 2 bowl 8 ends with everyone playing 3 games. There was a break for luch at 2 and that was very welcome indeed. The beaten semi fianlists were Sarah Christie and Jim Henderson (Tanfield) and Alex and CathyYoung. Congratulations also go to Cathy Young who this week won the Queensberry Bowling Club Ladies Championship.
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Tuesday saw the start of this season's top ten for the club with a difficult game against the Braid. Shuggie Hilson got us off to great start by winning his singles 21-15 and a home victory in the triples was enough to see us through the tie by a massive 2 SHOT advantage, a win is a win is a win and well done lads.
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On a gloriously sunny, Sunday afternoon, there was a very good turnout for the Bobby Locke three bowl singles. Three sections of 6 with the winners and best runner up progressing to the semi-finals, saw Jimmy Bathgate and Andy Irving winning through to the final. Andy was now going for his third successive victory in this final, although there was no way he was getting to keep this wonderful trophy. Jimmy was in determined mood and started off with a pair at the first two ends to give him a comfortable lead. The defending champion hit back with a single at the next before Jimmy went 6 shots up with two ends to play, surely he was past the winning post. However Andy was having none of it and a lose end from Jimmy gave Andrew hope, a three meaning the game went to the last. With Andy again needing three, he produced a great take out with his last bowl meaning Jimmy was facing three shots against and although he was confident his last bowl had won him the trophy, a measure proved otherwise. So it went to an extra end and Andrew opened up with two beauties, one being a toucher. Jimmy had a dash with a runner on the swinging hand and he got it first time, and although Andrew was still lying the shot, there were about 4 yards to draw a closer one. One bowl each left and with it now literally being a one bowl final, Andrew played a woeful bowl to leave Jimmy with an 'easy' draw (everything is easy from the banking) and draw it he did, giving Jimmy his first ever singles trophy at the Northern.
Very well done Jimmy, you deserved it for your overall play, and well done for keeping the Bobby Locke trophy out of the cupboard of Mr Irving.
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A touring team from Somerset visited the Northern on Saturday to play against the Edinburgh Bowling League. The game was shortened due to the weather with the EBL in front at the time. Mr Bowls, David Bryant was one of the touring team, a true gentleman who gace his time to everyone interested in having a photo taken (one to appear here soon hopefully) or just to have a chat. Despite the weather, the Somerset lads seemed to enjoy their day.
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Wins for Ian Miller, Stan Christie and Gordon Wilson meant we progressed to the next round of the Top 5 singles with a victory away to Blackhall. Weather interupted play in this game and forced the green to be switched around to allow play to continue as the green started to flood in parts. Well done for sticking in lads, a very good win away from home.
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Fell at the first. No not my horse at Musselburgh on Friday night but our entry into this season's Edinburgh Cup. Playing against the pace setters in the First Division, Parkside, we gave them one helluva run for their money and only a remarkable recovery at the Northern from Parkside skip Rab Gardner, who manged to claim three at the last end for a peel at 18, after being 12 - 0 down, saw Parkside scrape through in this game. As always, news filtered through from the other venue that we had had one rink up and two down (on a personal basis, I don't like this news as it goes against the ethics of the competition, but that's just me) and as our three home rinks were involved in a titanic struggle, the outcome was uncertain right up until the final bowl of the game, as we ended one up, one down and a peel.
Great effort from all the lads who stepped in to play for the Northern when many others were unavailable.
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A very successful weekend was had at the Northern when we had the privilege of hosting the District 11 SBA Finals. A very healthy crowd came out to watch all the finalist on a glorious night and the hot weather must have made the spectators and players thirsty as bar takings were a bit up from the norm. Congratulations to all the winners and commiserations to the beaten finalists.
.On Saturday, we held our first 'Hat Day' for ALL members, both full and social. There was an excellent turnout from members old and new and our leaflet campaign advertising bowling as a game for all ages, 8 to 80, was almost spot on. Present for the fun day was young Lewis Raeburn, who was in fact only 7 years old, and a Northern stalwart in Gus McKenzie, whose age shall remain private, but he must be cracking on for the 80 mark by now surely. A fantastically fun day was had by everyone, and the excellent weather certainly helped. Hopefully more of these days can be arranged in the not too distant future.
In the evening, we held a bingo night, something that was a regular Saturday evening occurrance in days gone by. Again, this was very well attended and it has given us the encouragement to hopefully try this again on a more regular basis.
So all in all, a very good weekend for the club and our members, here's hoping for many more to come.
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A healthy turnout for the annual James Taylor Trophy on Sunday saw the Jambos beat the Hibernians to win the trophy for the SEVENTH time, although the Hibees are still only one behind and will be out for revenge next season. Unfortunately James himself didn't make it on the day and there were a few noticeable absentees from the Hibs side too. The Jambos though had their usual 'oversees' influence in their team and it was no surprise to see GRANTAUSKIS Youngskis playing for them. The Hibs side tried to play 'Total Bowls' as expected, but were out muscled by their opponents more aggresive approach. A very good day was had by all and another fun event between the teams went down well.
Although it sticks in my throat to say it, well done the Jambos, but there's always next year Hibees!
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The rink medal saw a healthy turnout and it was good to see so many new members come and along play too. The format turned out to be a round robin with each rink playing 4 ends against each other. The winners came from the undefeated rink of Garry Harrison, Gordon Fairbairn, Alex Young and Robbie Paterson, who managed to win all four of their games. Once again, a new member reached the final and this time he came away victorious, so well a very well done to Gordon and his playing partners.
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The first trophies of the season were up for grabs when both the two bowl singles and two bowl pairs took place on the last Saturday of April. A gloriously sunny afternoon encouraged a healthy turn out of members, which was good to see.
Some things do not change though and having won one of the last tournaments of last season, the SBA Club Pairs, Shuggie Hilson was at it again, picking up the 2 bowl singles by beating Patrick Watt in the final, well done Shuggie.
The clean sweep for the season is still on for this man Hilson, as he also went on to partner President Willie Porterfield to win the 2 bowl pairs, beating Stan Christie and new member (and bowler) Steve Raeburn in the final. Congratulations again to Shuggie & Willie and in particular Steve, for reaching his first ever final.
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The open days held at the club during the weekend of the 21st and 22nd April proved to be a huge success. The weather was certainly kind for both days and Saturday saw around 20 visitors coming along for a look around and have a wee try on the green. Some were so impressed, they decided to put their application in for membership straight away, whilst others have intimated they would like to come back again and have another game, to which they are more than welcome to do.
Sunday matched, if not bettered, Saturday's attendance, and again with the weather going against the forecast, many visitors tried their luck on the green. Once again we had the pleasure of accepting a few applications for membership, with the really good news being the interest of a few ladies who have asked to join. This is indeed encouraging news as we are very keen to start up a ladies section at the Northern, and this is our first tentative steps along the way to doing this, thanks for your interest ladies.
All in all, it really was a highly successful weekend and we look forward to welcoming in all the new members to the club, both male and female.
Another big thank you is due to everyone from the club who turned out to help make these open days the success they were.
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The Opening Day for the 2007 season was greeted with the sun blazing down on the green, which resulted in a very good turn out from the members.
The usual President v Vice President games took place with Alison Campbell rolling the first Jack of the season, followed by President Willie Porterfield rolling the first bowl to with a few feet. Nearest the Jack competition was won by Bill Bowes, who kindly bought his team and opponents a wee drink off his winnings.
After a creditable start to the season by the President, it was not long before Willie showed his true abilities when a few ends later, he managed to throw the first 'wrong bias' of the season.
After a tremendously successful day on the green, Vice President Garry Harrison came out on top, thanks mainly to the thrashing Jim Henderson, Ronnie Scott and Andy Irving handed out to opponents who shall remain nameless, for the moment anyway.
Thanks must go to Garry Harrison and Bobby Bain, who sponsored the event by putting on a free buffet, which was much appreciated by all who attended.
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