Stewartry v Dumfriesshire – 12/06/10 at Marchmount

Well as the saying goes so near yet so far! Another really good performance but where in previous weeks we have finished well, this week we got stung by a really great fight back from Dumfriesshire. All credit to Brian and his team they dug in well from 15 ends onwards and scored 48 shots across the green in last 30 ends.

Rink 1 – This week Sharkey was on the clubhouse rink and had a great tussle with Barney going right to the death with only 1 shot in it at the end. Gav against SBA finalist Sparky played well and along with Eric had the better of the front ends. Jimmy Little certainly made plenty of noise when he played a good bowl, Natch on the other was shouting at not only his own rink but all others as well, whether he was playing a good bowl or not. Sharkey and Barney seemed to do what they had to each end and Sharky just sneaked it. Well done lads great work.

Rink 2 – The consistent Kirkcudbright rink gave everything they had, but found Bob Steele at the top of his game. Another excellent display from Robert McClune and I believe he has the ability and temperament to become a real Stewartry stalwart in years to come. Probably find of the year as far as I am concerned. The rink played well and Big Brian tried hard to use his experience to get them through unfortunately this week it wasn’t to be. Stevie J was steady throughout and George probably had his weakest game but only by the standards he has set this year. Unlucky today lads.

Rink 3 – Flash was up against Laurence Moffat and again produced a strong performance. Wee Tam must have wished every end was played towards road because he was getting a great road; unfortunately coming back was trickier. With Ian and young Cly, backing up the lead bowls there was some high scoring for both sides, with Flash just prevailing. Flash certainly tried to outdo the manager with some of his runs up the green; you just don’t have the build yet big man! Again, well done boys.

Rink 4 – Was the rink with 2 changes and perhaps it was too many since they never settled into a rhythm at all and always seemed to be chasing the game. The closest they got was to within 5 shots but were unable to maintain this. Michael has had a good series of games and probably was best of the 4 this week. Stewart, Conc and Scott all struggled for line, length or both, best forgotten lads and look forward to next week.

Rink 5 – I predicted that if Bruce clicked this rink would really get a score and this was so close to it. A well worked 5 at a crucial stage by Martyn Rice stopped the rot not only in this rink but also overall for Dumfriesshire and was the springboard for their comeback. But that does not detract from a great rink performance from Keith and his team, Papa Joe and Tom Rogers kept it tight at front end and at times if Bruce drew to an inch, Keith would draw inside. This rink were well on the way to a rout if that 5 had not been lost, Keith only a foot too far with his last bowl. Another captain’s performance and it makes it tight for the top performer award now.

Rink 6 – I am at a loss to describe how I feel about this rink, I have to accept some blame at putting such a young rink together, but I do believe this type of experience will make them better bowlers. Gary and Ronan really struggled on a difficult rink many ends were won with bowls a foot or so away! So that gives you an idea. Alan and Marty tried to get back in game but forcing shots just did not work and so hopefully a lesson learned. But I cannot fault the effort, Marty like myself hates defeat and takes it personally, chin up wee man you have a lot to play for yet.

Overall then again no disappointment in the performance, but result was just not to be, despite being 17 up at one point – big board maybe showed more but it was wrong. With one game to go a win would finish the season off in great style, but we all have to consider it improvement nothing more. Success is only in qualification in this kind of format. As Bob has already indicated Saturday will be my last game in charge at my home green, where I am President, against my birth county. So if you think I have been noisy up to now – you ain’t seen nothing’ yet!!

It has been a privilege to have worked with you guys this year, some real highs, and some real lows. This has been the Stewartry’s first year with a team manager and I hope that the committee can stick with it and find someone to carry this on. This has been a rollercoaster for me and has been emotionally draining and exhilarating at the same time. I have made mistakes in selection at times, I have tried to bring through younger players and had to rely on some experienced players being willing to come back in. We do not have the resources or players that our opponents do and we should perhaps take that into account when we analyse our results. However we do have some real ability and when that is harnessed with clubs preparing greens to ensure home advantage counts then we will always hold our own.

I would like to thank our sponsors, Martin and Green, John McGaw Electrics and Stewartry Care for their generosity. I would also like to thank County Secretary Stevie Conchar for all his work and support this season. Finally to President Graeme, Vice-President Arthur, Hamish, Rooker, John McGarrie, Les Shuttleworth and wee Tam your support was unwavering and always appreciated I am just sorry that together we could not make that final step and qualify and I hope you can forgive me for that. Also big thanks to wee Bob for putting these ramblings on the website every week. To all Stewartry bowlers it is easy to criticise and find fault with anything that is done, believe it or not it is even easier to help out. Whether as a club rep, player, committee member or manager, this county needs everyone pulling together, do what you can, and help make a dream a reality.