SportNorthAyrshire v SportRenfrewshire - First Annual Grand Challenge Match

 

Saturday 18th of September 2010 saw the first of hopefully decades of annual competitions between the two independent neighbouring Sports Councils of SportRenfrewshire and SportNorthAyrshire take place in the historic burgh of Kilwinning at the Blacklands Bowling Club.

Forty young bowlers in 5 rinks played 13 ends in the cool autumn sunshine with a high standard of play and a level of sportsmanship which would have graced any green.

At the end of play SportNorthAyrshire’s total shots were 74 against SportRenfrewshire’s 33. The brand new McCabe Trophy was presented by SportNorthAyrshire’s Vice-Chairman Tom Hughes to Tessa Stirling, representing the winning side.

Perhaps anticipation of the post match feast for the players and their supporters, laid on by the ladies of Blacklands Club, was one clue to the success of the SportNorthAyrshire side. Hearty sandwiches and some serious soup sustained the company. With quality soup like that on hand it is perhaps little wonder that one of Blackland’s recent former young bowlers Michelle Cooper is in the last stages of preparation to leave soon for India to play in the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

SportNorthAyrshire’s skips were Stephen McKnight, Callum Williamson, Christopher Robb, Robbie Gatherer and Kevin Donnachie.

Thanks go to Ian, Alan, Maureen, and Gordon for getting the event up and running; to Blacklands Bowling Club for hospitality, to all the clubs whose young bowlers attended along with their adult supporters, and to SportNorthAyrshire’s Chairman Jim McCabe whose original idea it was and who kindly provided the trophy.

Date and venue are already being negotiated for the Second Annual Grand Challenge Match to be played in Renfrewshire in May 2011.

Eileen Lamb

Here are some photos of the event (Click any thumbnail to see a larger image)