Scotland claim Para silver as British Bowls Internationals get underway
Scotland secured silver in the Para British Bowls Internationals as the competition came to a close at the National Centre for Bowling, Ayr.
After three days of play, England were crowned winners of the Para Series with 50 points, while Scotland finished runners-up on 47 points. Ireland placed third on 26 points, with Wales fourth on 21 points.
It was a strong campaign from Scotland, who won 23 of their 36 games and finished with the best shot difference in the competition at +169.
Scotland went into the final session still in contention and produced another competitive performance against England, with the match finishing 6-6 on points. Scotland also edged the overall shots, 93-91, but England’s points advantage was enough to secure the overall title.
There were Scottish wins in the final session for Melanie Inness, Mark Fleming and Lee Mitchell, who defeated Roger Barton, Jennie Sandford and Jack Pullin 13-8 in the VI & PD Triples. Ross Noble also delivered an excellent 21-18 victory over Rhys Lewis in the VI Singles, while Alex Paterson impressed with a 21-10 win over Graeme Robinson in the PD Singles.
A huge congratulations goes to all players, directors, coaches and support staff involved across the Para British Bowls Internationals.
The British Bowls Internationals also got underway on Thursday, with Scotland’s Men’s and Women’s teams both beginning their campaigns.
Scotland Men made an excellent start with a 12-2 victory over Jersey in the morning session. Wins came from Andy Dunnett, Iain McLean and Darren Gaultieri in the Singles, alongside strong Fours victories for Gordon White, Liam Nicholson, John Fleming and Connor Milne, and Ewan Shearer, Greg Logan, Lewis Betts and Grant Logan.
The Men’s team then returned to the green in the afternoon for a close contest against England, narrowly losing 8-6 overall. Scotland picked up wins through Darren Gaultieri in the Singles, as well as the Fours teams of Ewan Shearer, Greg Logan, Lewis Betts and Grant Logan, and Allan Ramsay, James Hogg, Colin Bonnar and Gary Prunty.
Scotland Women also enjoyed a positive opening day, starting with a 10-4 win over Ireland. The team followed that up with an 11-3 victory over Wales, with wins in two Pairs and two Triples, alongside a draw for Dawn Anderson, Emma Blyth and Lynn Lees.
After the opening day of the Internationals, Scotland Men sit second in the table on 18 points, while Scotland Women sit third on 21 points, just one point behind England and Ireland.
Play continues on Friday, with both Scotland teams back in action as the British Bowls Internationals continue in Ayr.
Full scores, schedule information and livestream links are available via the British Bowls page.