Scotland secure Para Test Match victory against Ireland in Ayr
Scotland recorded a 42-6 victory over Ireland as the two nations completed a valuable weekend of international Para bowls at the National Centre for Bowling in Ayr.
The two-day Test Match brought together Physical Disability (PD) and Visually Impaired (VI) bowlers for four sessions of singles, pairs and combined VI and PD triples competition.
While Scotland produced a strong performance across the weekend, the fixture was primarily an opportunity for players from both nations to gain further international exposure, compete in different disciplines and continue their development within a competitive team environment.
Scotland made a positive start on Saturday morning, winning five of the six opening matches to take the first session 10-2. Victories came in both PD Singles matches, the VI Singles and two of the three VI and PD Triples contests.
The hosts continued that momentum during the afternoon and completed a clean sweep of all six Session Two matches. Scotland won each of the four PD Pairs and both VI Pairs games to extend their overall advantage with a 12-0 session victory.
Another six wins followed in Session Three, with Scotland remaining unbeaten across the PD Singles, VI Singles and VI and PD Triples disciplines. The second consecutive 12-0 session gave Scotland a commanding 34-2 lead at the end of the opening day.
Ireland responded strongly during Sunday morning’s fourth and final session, claiming two PD Pairs victories. Scotland secured the remaining four matches, including both VI Pairs contests, to win the session 8-4 and complete a 42-6 overall victory.
Across the weekend, Scotland won 21 of the 24 matches played and finished with a total shot score of 471-211.
Beyond the final result, the Test Match provided players from both countries with valuable time on the green in an international setting. Competing across a range of disciplines and team combinations allowed established players to build on their experience while giving developing athletes another opportunity to test themselves at a higher level.
The weekend also helped strengthen the relationship between the two nations as Scotland and Ireland continue to create meaningful competitive opportunities for Para bowlers.
Bowls Scotland would like to thank both teams, coaches, directors, officials, volunteers and everyone who supported the event across the weekend.