GC 2018 Day Nine ends on a high
The Team Scotland lawn bowlers brought their Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games to an end with a gold medal for the men's fours and a bronze for the women's pairs.
Ronnie Duncan, Derek Oliver, Paul Foster and Alex Marshall fought all the way against Australia in their final, and it went down to the last bowl to clinch the medal, with Scotland sneaking it 15-13.
This was a historic fifth gold medal for Marshall, who becomes Scotland's most decorated Commonwealth Games athlete. Foster now has four golds and is third in the list of Scotland's Games greats.
An ecstatic Marshall said: “I went out there today thinking about the win, first and foremost. Becoming the most successful athlete was always in the back of my mind, but today was about getting another medal for Team Scotland. It’s been a fantastic Games for the entire team and we’re so proud to be a part of that.
“Winning five gold medals is just brilliant. My initial dream was for one – so five is incredible. I didn’t do it alone, though, and I need to thank every single person I’ve partnered with along the way.
“I feel like I’ve got a few years left in me yet! I’m looking forward to 2022 and playing with these guys for a few more years.”
It was an emotional day for Lesley Doig and Claire Johnston as they beat Canada 18-10 for the bronze medal. As well as it being Doig's first Games, it was third time lucky for Johnston, who had got so close medalling at Delhi 2010 and Glasgow 2014.
Johnston said: “It feels amazing. The last two games in Delhi and Glasgow were a bit of a disappointment for me, so I’ve worked hard all year to be prepared for this, and to get a medal is just a dream come true.”
Darren Burnett just missed out on bronze in the men's singles, being beaten 21-14 by England's Robert Paxton. But as ever, Burnett gave his absolute all, and has his men's triples gold - won with Duncan and Oliver - to savour.
Everyone at Bowls Scotland is incredibly proud of every bowler and para-bowler, and the coaches and support staff who have been on this journey with them. They have represented their country, their sport and themselves with honour, passion and determination.
Photo courtesy of Team Scotland.