Lothian Disability Sport
Carpet Bowls Championships - Sunday 30th November 2014
Musselburgh Sports Centre, East Lothian
Experienced bowlers Amanda Craig, Stewart Martin and Neil Shirley proved victorious in their respective sections at the Regional Carpet Bowls Championships on Sunday 30th November. After a handful of withdrawals on the day, twenty eight bowlers were looking to secure a place on the Lothian team for the National Championships in Dundee on the 31st January 2015.
In the ladies section for players with a learning disability, West Lothian bowler Amanda Craig experienced some mixed results during the group stage of the competition, winning two and losing one. However she soon found her form at the semi final stage as she convincingly overcame Prestonpans bowler Carole White before coming up against Philippa Robinson in the final. Philippa had played excellently throughout the day on her debut at the competition and was unfortunate to lose out in the final as Amanda Craig reclaimed the trophy she also won last year.
In the male section, Stewart Martin managed to defeat the experienced campaigner and multiple time previous winner Gordon Graham of West Lothian 10-3 in the final. The tie was slightly closer than the score line would suggest as Prestonpans stalwart Martin galloped into a 6 shot lead after only two ends and this gap proved too much for Graham to claw back.
In the section for players with a physical disability, previous winner Neil Shirley re-claimed the title in the combined PD section. Shirley proved too strong for Margaret Brown and Jimmy Restorick, although did lose out to the experienced Robert Kelly meaning he would have to claim the title on shot difference from club mate Jimmy Restorick.
Well done to the winners and all bowlers who participated, making the event very competitive and enjoyable throughout. Thanks is extended to Musselburgh Sports Centre, Prestonpans Disability Bowling Club and all volunteers who gave up time to mark ties and support the event.
Winners
Players with a Learning Disability
Ladies
Winner: Amanda Craig (West Lothian)
Runner Up: Philippa Robinson (Lothian Special Olympics)
Male
Winner: Stewart Martin (P'pans Disability Bowling Club)
Runner Up: Gordon Graham (West Lothian)
Players with a Physical Disability
Combined Section
Winner: Neil Shirley (P'pans Disability Bowling Club)
Runner Up: Jimmy Restorick (P'pans Disability Bowling Club)
Neal Herbert
Lothian Disability Sport
