Bowl: Robert’s back and raring to go for nation

Robert MARSHALL won the last of his impressive haul of 48 indoor caps back in 2008 having made his debut in 1993 but the 45-year-old Bainfield ace is back in the picture having been named in the latest international bowls trial team.

Marshall is one of the 40 players being asked to parade their skills in front of the Scotland selectors at Falkirk IBC on December 11 and he is joined by his clubmates Craig Moss, Gavin Smith and Chris Downie.

Bainfield team manager John Bell is delighted that Marshall and former junior cap Downie will join established duo Moss and Smith but is disappointed that Paul O’Donnell has failed to win over the selectors.

“Paul has played six international series at Under-25 level and has been team captain so I guess he will be feeling the pain of rejection at this moment in time,” said Bell.

George Sneddon continues to be out of favour but six of his West Lothian colleagues have been recognised and they are namely, Thomas Mann. Neil Speirs, Calum Logan, Mark Allison, Cameron Greer, and Blair Mackie.

Willie Wood, Alex Marshall, Graham Robertson, Derek Oliver, Scott Kennedy and Jamie Higgins represent the East Lothian banner while Ronnie Duncan, and Colin Walker fly the flag for Midlothian.

Meanwhile the ladies of Bainfield blew their chance to go clear in Division 1C of the national leagues when they suffered an 83-66 defeat from joint leaders West Lothian at Livingston.

Kathryn O’Donnell served up a winning performance for the visitors but the rinks skipped by Isa Wilson, Anne Watson and Anna Anderson failed to get the measure of their respective opposition.