Garioch bowlers look at the coming season's challenges
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Garioch’s indoor bowlers are expecting some difficult challenges as they prepare to try and make a push towards the Premier League next season.
The Division One side finished the previous campaign strongly and will look to take that forward into the new campaign, which is scheduled to begin in September, although much will depend on what happens with the coronavirus pandemic.
Garioch will be joined in the division by the returning duo of Bainfield (Edinburgh) and Elgin, while they will face familiar opposition in the shape of Fraserburgh and Buchan, as well as Dumfermline-based Headwell Bowling Club.
Fraserburgh have been relegated from the Premier Division, while Buchan and Headwell are promoted from the regional leagues.
Brian Reid, captain of the Garioch team, hopes to see the league begin at the end of September, but recognises everything is on hold because of the coronavirus.
He said: “The team last year recovered from a disastrous start, being thrashed by Turriff by 80 shots, but then recovered from this, beating both Elgin and Cumbernauld.
“The team settled down from then, and finished confidently with four more wins to finish second equal to the now promoted Turriff team.
“We are likely to have the same team available, but we will miss Jason Banks, when he is, hopefully, on international duty, and in the latter stages of the Scottish knockout competitions.
“Last year’s experience, having been promoted from the Regional League, gives us more confidence against better players”.
Liam Willox, and James and Ronnie McDougall –all young players – showed great composure against top players last season and by the end of the campaign were more than pulling their weight in the squad.
Also available to play for Garioch next season are Gary MacDonald, Steve Gurney, Alan Rough, Colin Banks, Brian Welsh, Ian Ligertwood, and the seasoned skips Lee Collins, Banks (if he is available) and Reid.
The summer leagues at Garioch Indoor Bowling Centre have now been abandoned.
Should there be clearance in July or August, then bowlers can, hopefully, return.
