National Top Five

Castle Douglas played host to Thornton from Fife on Sunday in the prelim of the National Top Five competition.  The competition involves five games of 21-up singles play, with the first team to reach three wins taking the tie.

John Crawford led John Gibson 5 - 3 but the Thornton player fought back and took counts of 3,4,1 and 3 to lead 14 - 5.  John steadied the ship and replied emphatically, scoring in 8 of the last 9 ends of the game to put the first point on the board for Castle Douglas 21 shots to 15.

Graeme Maxwell looked to have things under control against Kevin Fleming when he led 16 - 7, however Kevin struck back to score 5 ends on the trot and lead 17 - 16.  He then moved within one shot of victory at 20 - 17 before Graeme scored a three to square matters at 20 - 20.  In the last end Kevin lay three before Graeme drew shot with his last bowl.  Kevin’s attempted trail on the jack just missed the target and Graeme took the second point for the home team.

With two points on the board Castle Douglas just needed one win out of the three remaining games to progress to the last eight of the competition.  William Brydson had a close tie with Kenny Balfour, with the scores tied at 8, 10, 11, 13 and 15 shots each.  William scored a vital three to lead 18 - 15 before losing two singles to make it 18 - 17.  William then scored another three to wrap up the victory 21 - 17.

Scott Davies had a close tussle with Jim Forbes and the players completed their game with Scott eventually losing out 21 - 17, and the final game was unfinished with Alan Davies leading Alan Morris 19 - 17 when the match was settled.

Castle Douglas now play host to Bonnyrigg in the last eight.  Having lost to Bonnyrigg in the first round of the National Top Ten in May this year the Castle Douglas boys will be seeking revenge.  The date for the match is still to be set and the details will be in next week’s News.

Photo shows the Castle Douglas and Thornton players, with Presidents Lorna Dobie and Alan Fleming in front, and the Fife Bowling Association President George Fairgrieve on the extreme right.