Huntly's narrow win over Newmachar secures the Forbes Hendry Trophy
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Inverurie and Harlaw Bowling Clubs were knocked out of the Forbes Hendry Trophy by Huntly, while Kintore took the Ladies Knockout title, writes Mike Barron.
A total of 20 Aberdeenshire Clubs take part in the tournament over the summer hosted by the smallest club in the north-east, Kincardine O Neil.
In a beautiful rural setting the green was in great condition, and the bowling was outstanding.
Huntly gents fours were never more than a couple of shots up in the match, and at half way Newmachar were drawing nearer, but never were they ahead.
The final score in a close fought game was Huntly 14-13 Newmachar.
Huntly took the scalps of both of the Inverurie clubs, Harlaw and Inverurie convincingly, winning each by four shots.
In an earlier round they also beat Aboyne.
Newmachar defeated Rothienorman in the second round, having had a bye in the earlier round.
Next came Kemnay, with Balgownie the opposition in the semi-final and both were convincing results.
Entries for the Ladies knock out tournament has seen fewer clubs participating, despite the competition being changed from 4s to Triples and only 12 participated in the competition.
Kintore were the victors over Balgownie by two shots winning 13-11.
The trio of Liz Booth, Barbara Craig and Gemma Thorley (Kintore) had a fine win, drawing well, and building some fine heads.
The losers Balgownie, with Evelyn Murray as skip, while disappointed at the result, commented, “On the day we dug in, but we were fighting to keep in touch”.
The winners disposed of Newhills in the semi-final, and Alford in the previous round.
Some facts on Kincardine O’Neil the host for the finals.
A closer look at the membership indicates the club has been in decline in the last decade, and is one of the smallest in Scotland, but have maintained their competitiveness winning 28 trophies up to 2022.
The future of the bowling club must be in question as they have but 16 males, and insufficient ladies to field a trio for the KO Cup.
One of their members who has stuck with the club is Ian Bruce who has played in the Scottish International team, and has played in the Commonwealth Games in New Zealand in 1990, where he won a gold medal playing second to Willie Wood in the fours.
