Bowls: Richardson battles back from brink

Richardson, 22, emerged from an epic 26-end battle with the  21-19 scalp of former champion Wendy Purdie.

The early stages of the final saw peels called at 4 then 5 and 7 before Purdie added two singles to lead 9-7 after 13 entertaining ends.

Richardson raised her game with a 1, 2 reply to cross 10-9 but Purdie – a player of full Scotland cap status – looked destined to add another  domestic championship title to her success story when making  telling space with a run of 3, 1, 1, (1), 2 to lead 16-11.

Purdie dropped a 3 at the next but answered that show of menace with a matching count of 3 to stand in full sight of the title at 19-14 up.

The spectators at the Inveralmond stadium were treated to an spectacular fightback, though, as Richardson stole  the show and her first title with a blitzing run of 3, 1, 1, 2. Richardson’s exciting display has helped her wipe out the horrendous memory of last season’s final where she led Lisa Barrett 13-3 and 18-12 only to lose 21-18.

“I feel elated to have joined so many famous names from this stadium on what is a much  coveted trophy however  after my experience last year I also know how Wendy feels at this moment in time,” said the  newly-crowned champion.

Meanwhile, the build-up to the climax of the men’s singles championship saw defending champion Thomas Mann and former champion Neil  Speirs through to the  semi-finals.

Mann is set to face fellow cap Bryan Cooper while Speirs goes head to head with premier league stalwart Paul Lynas.

Elsewhere, Edinburgh indoor clubs Portobello and Bainfield have representation in the SIBA Under-18 International Trial being staged at Abbeyview in Dunfermline this Sunday.

Scottish Under-17 Pairs champion Liam McKay and Triples runner-up Dean Mackintosh will feature, along with Mark McIntosh of Bainfield banner and Calvert Allison of East Lothian.

Lindsay Crombie of Bainfield is representing the Scottish Young Indoor Bowlers  Association as a member of the  selection process.