European Championships Preview - Q&A with Natalie Docherty

With only four days to go before the 2019 European Championships kick off in Guernsey, we caught up with Natalie Docherty to preview the championships. 

Natalie competed at the last European Championships in Jersey in 2017 alongside Emma McIntyre, Greg McLaughlin & Jason Banks and this time around she will be joined by Dee Hoggan, Darren Weir & Connor Milne.

So Natalie, you competed at the 2017 European Championships in Jersey so how did you get on at the Championships two years ago?

“We won Bronze in the Mixed Fours and Bronze for the overall team event. Myself and Emma McIntyre missed out in the pairs but Greg McLaughlin and Jason Banks medalled in the Gents Pairs.”

What experiences did you take away from the previous European’s that you will able to use and help you this time around?

“The last Euros taught me never to underestimate some of the other countries. A lot of people think some games should be easy, however, with the format of these games it’s easy to get caught out. It’s also about continuing to perform well throughout the entire week as one bad game could affect your table position drastically.”

Also, what are your expectations for the Scotland team that has been selected for the 2019 European Championships?

“The team that has been selected this year is again a squad of good quality players who are young and eager to win. I think this will be a great experience and I’m looking forward to playing with Dee Hoggan, Darren Weir and Connor Milne in what I hope to be a successful Europeans for Team Scotland.”

Some of the worlds best players will be playing in these Championships so how much are you looking forward to testing yourself by competing against them?

“I’m really looking forward to it, it will be a great experience for us all and I think competing against players of that standard brings the best out in us. We know we will need to perform to our best and go with the mentality that we are good enough to beat these players.”

Finally, what would it mean to you to come home with a Gold Medal from the European Championships and where would it rank amongst your bowling achievements?

“It would be absolutely amazing to come home with a Gold medal. The Europeans has got to be up there with best achievements for me.

“I’m delighted and honoured to be selected to represent Scotland again at the Euro’s. I believe we have a good squad going out and are definitely capable of bringing Gold medals home.”

We would like to wish Team Scotland the best of luck at the European Championships!