Bowls: Eighth seed Logan crashes out of West Lothian Masters

Published on 07/08/2012 12:13

Raymond Logan was a high-profile faller in last night’s first round action in the Scotmid Co-operative sponsored 14th West Lothian Masters, with the 57-year-old ex-internationalist losing to John Bell of Harrysmuir at Blackburn.

Logan, the No. 8 seed and 
national champion in 1998 when defeating Willie Wood in a memorable final, slipped from 7-4 up to 16-8 down but was right back in the picture at 
17-18 before making a 21-18 exit to Bell in 20 ends.

The Logan clan from Kirkliston is also represented on the seed list by Raymond’s son Calum ( No. 5) and his nephews Greg (No. 15) and Grant (No. 1).

Grant, the 36-year-old 
holder and three times Master, launched his latest bid for the £1000 title and signature Green Jacket with a confident 21-12 win in 20 ends over S Jones of Seafield at Bathgate, having stretched from 0-2 to 14-3.

Greg, a Scottish Junior Cup winner in football with Linlithgow Rose, has switched his focus to bowls and the 33-year-old brother of the No. 1 seed was leading Brian McMahon of Broxburn 13-7 at Winchburgh when play was abandoned.

Calum was in action at Bo’ness, where the 23-year-old District Junior champion made progress at the 21-10 expense of G Hobb from Queensferry. The same venue saw former cap George Sneddon of Broxburn beat R Forrest of Newbridge 21-11.

David (Buddy) Renwick of East Calder has a major profile as a golf caddy on the worldwide stage of that sport but he is no mean bowler and showed his competitive spirit to win a 21-20 thriller against Gary Grant of Queensferry at 
Blackburn.

Renwick came under immense pressure at 16-9 down but started to read the green better and zipped into a 20-17 lead, then at 20-20 tipped the scales with a single on the 23rd end.

An exciting 21-20 climax to a marathon 31-end match at Mid Calder saw Hugh McKenna of Bo’ness card a winning double to pip N McKendrick of 
Middleton Hall.

Top seeds Gary Smith (2), Ewan Shearer (3), and Neil Speirs (4) all made comfortable progress into tonight’s second round.