Close call for Garioch duo at the British Isles Bowls Championship
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It was a case of so near yet so far at the British Isles Bowls Championship in Wales at the weekend for Jason and Carla Banks writes Mike Barron.
Jason Banks just missed out on a win in the Under 25 final at the British Isles Bowls Championships at Llandrindod Bowling Centre (mid Wales)
while sister Carla, with Kimberley Dodds, just failed to get past the semi-final of the Under 25 Ladies Pairs.
To get to the venue the Banks family had to drive 445 miles and seven hours of being at the wheel.
The semi-final matches were scheduled for 9am in the morning of Friday causing a Wednesday departure and an overnight stay on the way.
Jason in the final went down 19-21 to Ryan Atkins (Wales) in one of the most exciting of matches.
The play was close throughout with Jason drawing well.
First one then the other took the lead, and with there being nothing in it Atkins drew the final bowl to reach 21.
To get to the final he had to play Sam Barclay of Ireland.
From end 1 his drawing was outstanding.
He built up an early lead, and Barclay was under pressure.
End after end Jason kept scoring, finally winning 21-2.
The match was an example of consistent fine drawing putting his opponent under pressure throughout.
Jason on the way back had to attend a “group session” on Sunday at Ayr preparing for his International commitments again in July.
Carla Banks with Kimberley Dodds, the current Scottish under 25 champions, had an exciting match against Lauirin Gowan and Lowri Powell of Wales.
The match was very even throughout with Kimberley, in early ends, struggling to find her drawing, and then she hit form.
Carla had an excellent match save when trying to “burn” an end, forced the jack into the ditch instead, and lost 4 shots.
This was the turning point as the scores were level.
Wales drew the winning shot and Won 21-19.
Jason this weekend will be competing in the 13th European Bowls Championship at Ayr which runs from July 9 to 14.
The prestigious lawn bowls tournament, is open to all member countries of Bowls Europe.
Each country can enter up to 5 ladies and 5 gents players, who will compete against each other in Ladies and Gents – Singles, Pairs, Triples and
Rinks.
This is a similar format played in the World Championships and the Commonwealth Games.
Carla has not been selected for this tournament as she is reserve for the Commonwealth Games later in the month.
Another competition scheduled for both are the Scottish National finals at Ayr from July 17-23.
All should also recognise that most of the international, and national representative competitions seldom offer financial prizes, and time off
from work needs to be taken.
July is a heavy month for both Jason and Carla and sponsorship would be a godsend.
