More honours for Garioch bowlers Jason and Carla Banks
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A further European honour has come for Jason Banks of the Garioch Indoor and Inverurie Bowling Club member Carla Banks after disappointment at not being selected for the Commonwealth Games in July.
Correspondent Mike Barron said: "This was after the regular pool training, and practicing last summer where has been told she is the sole reserve player for Birmingham, a great honour for the 21-year-old skilled indoor and outdoor player.
"Being disappointed at not being selected for the Scottish team for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham this summer, Jason has been selected to play in the European Championship at the National Centre for Bowling at Ayr from July 9 to 14.
"A total of 16 nations participate in the tournament which this year will mirror the World and Commonwealth championships, with players competing against one another.
"A bit of a marathon, but it does mean the odd bad game can mean still qualifying for the playdowns."
Coming back to the Scottish team is Connor Milne, the former Garioch Indoor bowler from Turriff.
Connor had his first experience in the Commonwealth Games in 2019, held in Guernsey, where he came home with a silver medal in the pairs.
Each country can name five male and lady members in a team for selection for Singles, Pairs, Triples and Fours.
Fraser Muirhead, former Scottish Singles champion, and Head Coach for the team, commented: "We have decided to use this event as an opportunity to give the next generation of talent a taste of a major international tournament.
"The squad selected features a youthful but experienced line up with nine of the group having played at senior international level”.
Mike said: "At first there was surprise on reading reasons for the European team as this would have made Carla Banks choice automatic especially as she had reached the semi-final of the Indoor World Ladies tournament earlier this year.
"Questioning an official, comment was made that selectors are still seriously worried for Covid amongst teams, and selection has been affected by trying to keep players apart.
"Hence Carla Banks being selected as the sole reserve for the Scottish Ladies team at the Commonwealth Games at Birmingham in late July."
