2023 National Championships - Stage 1 Stars: Blair & Lesley Doig
Next up in our National Championships qualifier stories is the husband and wife pairing of Blair and Lesley Doig from Strathmiglo BC, who have both qualified in the Gents and Ladies Singles respectively for this year’s event.
Both Blair and Lesley started bowling at a young age through family and have managed to achieve various county and international honours between them. This is Blair’s fourth time qualifying for the National Championships at Ayr with his previous best performance being reaching the quarter-final of the Gents U25 Singles.
Meanwhile, Lesley is a former three-time winner of the Ladies U25 Singles and has represented Scotland at various major championships over the years. She secured a silver medal in the Ladies Singles at the 2016 World Bowls Championships in Christchurch, New Zealand, just missing out to Australian legend Karen Murphy in the final. Two years later, Lesley backed this up with more medal success, returning home from the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games with a bronze medal in the Ladies Pairs alongside Claire Johnston.
When asked about qualifying for this year’s National Championships, husband Blair was happy to concede to Lesley’s achievements. He said: “It’s feels good to make it through to Ayr because bowls is a big part of our lives but I must admit that Lesley is the bread winner between the two of us.”
Modestly adding to that, Lesley commented: “I was so chuffed to qualify this year as I haven't played at Ayr since 2019. The fact that Blair qualified as well made it even better as he has been playing brilliantly the last few seasons, so he thoroughly deserves it.”
It’s set to be a memorable day for the Doig family when they both take to the Northfield greens on Tuesday 25th July for their first-round matches. However, they both insist they’re hoping to enjoy the experience first and foremost.
Blair said: “I’ve taken a bit of a step back this year and seem to be playing well so hopefully I can keep that up. I’m just going to take things one game at a time and see what happens.”
Lesley added: “I haven't really set myself any targets for the event. I don't play bowls nearly as much as I did a few years ago so if I can just go and play well, I will be more than happy.”
Congratulations to both Blair and Lesley, we look forward to seeing you both compete at the Championships!