Close call for Garioch bowlers at the UK Championships
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Sandy McDonald of Garioch Indoor Bowls stared for Scotland in the Short Mat team championship, and was beaten 10-9 by the eventual Champion in UK Singles writes Mike Barron.
Garioch team mate Alan Masson was also in the Scottish team
To have two players in the team from the Garioch was merited, following their national performances.
They are also playing for Garlogie, who have the strongest pool of players in the north of Scotland.
Sandy was the only winner against World select, England, and Ireland, while Masson won once against the World team.
Scotland beat Rest of the World 6-0, lost to England 4-2, and were well beaten against Ireland 5-1.
Ireland were expected to win the series, with all six players in the top twenty world rankings.
Ireland finished undefeated.
Sandy won 11-6 against World team, and next came a win 14-8 against England.
His opposition was ranked number seven in UK against Sandy’s 65th position.
He was the only winner against Ireland’s Glen Harvey ,who was ranked 10th .
He won convincingly 13-8.
A great performance by McDonald, who, running a local business, is unable to participate in all top tournaments south of the border.
His ranking does not take account of this factor.
Masson won 10-8 against the World team but lost his other two fixtures.
Day two saw both players finish second in their six player section, to qualify for the knock out UK Open Singles Championship.
Sandy lost only to Gallaher and reached the Quarter final seeing off players of higher ranking.
He won 21-4 against one of the highest ranking lady bowlers, Connie Coats of England.
Next came Amundson in a close match, he won 9-6, then beat Reid 12-5 to reach the quarter final.
He was finally beaten by Pauline Beattie of England 10-9 who went on to win the trophy.
“If only” was Sandy’s comment.
As a result of his winning these matches his ranking is expected to be in the 30s up from 65th .
Reports say he had a great weekend showing great skill, all against World class competitors.
Alan Masson performed well in the K.O Singles coming second in his section.
He beat Paula Scales 13-4, drew with Peter Skippen 11-11, and was then beaten by Coughlin of Wales 13-11.
