Scottish title eludes Garioch’s bowlers

There was no Scottish title for Garioch’s bowlers this year writes Mike Barron after the final of the Scottish Mixed Pairs final proved the last chance for the north-east players.

Garioch (Colin and Carla Banks) 0 - Blantyre (Caroline Brown and Iain McLean) 2 sets - Scores 5-8 and 5-11.

It was rough on Colin Banks who had just played in the 4 hour Scottish Gents 4s semi final, which they lost. It finished in early evening, and he had to go back on to play at 6.30pm Saturday evening! How unfair - No break before a final.

The opposition was the Blantyre pair who were multi Scottish Internationalists, and Scottish Champions. They were strong favourites before the Championship to take the title. You cannot give a pair like this any advantage.

Despite this, in Set 1, the early ends were very even, then Blantyre scored 3 & 2 shots at 4th and 5th to put the score 2-6. At the 8th end there was hope when Carla drew to take to 2 shots Score 5-7 going to last. Blantyre took the deciding end by taking a single. Garioch had just lost set one 5-8.

Set 2 Colin struggled early after over five hours bowling that afternoon/evening. Carla fought hard, but they lost 3,2,2, and 2 shots to be 0-9 after 4 ends. Blantyre had only to defend and ensure no big scores against. Garioch did fight back with 2,0,2, and 1 shot but it was too late. Finish 5-11 at 8th.

Blantyre (Caroline Brown and Iain McLean) had taken the first Scottish Mixed Pairs title.

The 2024 Scottish playdowns will have a different Garioch pair in Scottish Mixed Pairs for 2024/25, as the Banks family decided Carla should go forward with Jason for the Garioch Championship, which they have just won. They defeated Viv Humble and Billy Allan in the final. Carla and Jason beat mum and dad, Angela and Colin in the semi- final, a match played in a pleasant atmosphere.

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