Bowls: Thomson in shock victory to reach final

Published on Wednesday 9 June 2010 10:01

DEAN THOMSON of Gorgie Mills enjoyed a dramatic 21-20 win over the more renowned Paul O'Donnell in the semi-finals of the junior singles in the District 12 national bowls championships at Sighthill.

Bainfield's O'Donnell led 12-9 and had his support in raptures with a full house four to 16. Then, even at 19-10 and losing a four to 14, he looked every inch the winner in waiting.

But at 20-14 down, Thomson saved game against him twice as he inched his way to 18 then, with the help of an umpire's measure, conjured up a magic three to pull a surprise win out of the hat in 26 ends.

The other semi-final, played at Currie, saw John McDermott of Sighthill make a strong start to lead Colin Tough of Carrick Knowe 7-1.

He produced a finish of 2, 3 to triumph 21-12 in 21 ends.

Play in the singles proper brought brighter times for the Carrick Knowe support with their champion Ian McKenna clinching a 21-14 win over Donnie Gilbertson of West End at Sighthill. Robert Marshall, the 16-time-Slateford champion, beat Stevie Kirk of Whitehouse and Grange 21-15 at Currie.

Queensberry played host to the second instalment of the District 11 semi-finals and Scott Mackintosh of London Road Foundry remained on course to make an immediate return to Ayr and the scene of his agonising defeat in the final of the singles by beating Andy McNab of Dean in 23 ends.

Elliot Young of Postal served up a surprise win in the other semi-final, beating Gary Nisbet of Craigentinny 21-10.

Queensberry had a local interest in the shape of junior singles challenger Chris Conway and he sealed a 21-11 win over Jordan Davidson of Dean in 18 ends.

Gary Muir of Hillside beat Neal Rooney of Postal 21-15 in the other semi-final.

Tanfield beat Summerside in the fours with Andy Sneddon skipping Stuart Campbell, Robert White and Derek McLean to a 22-12 win over John Wood while Gavin Smith, David Poole, Chris Steven and Darren McKenny of Pilrig beat Kevin McFarlane of Craigentinny by six shots.