Bowls: Scotland win marks fitting Wood farewell

Willie Wood was given the perfect retirement present from his 23 team mates at Sighthill, Edinburgh, yesterday when they retained the Home International Series for Scotland for a record-extending 42nd time.

For 73-year-old Wood, who made his winning debut in the series in Glasgow in 1966, it was his 21st success in these championships and he was delighted to leave outdoor international bowls on a high, saying: "With Scotland hosting the event, there could have been no better time for me to bow out."

The Scots wrapped up the series as the only unbeaten team. Ireland beat England and Wales. England's only victory was against Wales, who finished without points.

The Scots opened with a hard-fought 123-89 win over a strong Irish team who have won the title three times in the last seven years, producing a real determined performance.

Scotland then saw off England 111-95.

In their last match yesterday, a grandstand finish pipped Wales 115-108 to start the victory celebrations.