Bowls: Thomas the main Mann indoors

Wins over Darren Gualtieri of Whiteinch (Glasgow) and former Irish hero Jonathan Ross of Paisley in the semi-final and final respectively in the  national finals at Falkirk brought the Premier League captain of WLIBC another  outstanding career highlight.

Mann became the third WLIBC player to be crowned national champion following  in the footsteps of Bob  Sutherland in 1983 and Jim Boyle in 1984.

He is no stranger to national title glory, though, having partnered Neil Speirs to the Scottish 4-Bowl Pairs title in 2007 then played third to Bryan Cooper, James Speirs and Neil Speirs in the rink that won the Fours title in 2011.

Mann launched his title bid at Falkirk in encouraging  style having settled quickly  to lead Gualtieri 11-2 after  eight ends then exciting  his support by staying in  command to triumph 21-9 in  21 ends.

The final pitched Mann against 2010 Scottish Outdoor Singles Champion Jonathan Ross, a player of great international experience with his native Ireland.

Mann – a sports gym manager in the capital – lifted his hopes by scoring a 4 on the first end. He then kicked on from 6-4 with an impressive run of 1, 4, 2, 2, 2 that accelerated him into a 17-4 lead and he went on to clinch a spectacular 21-7 win in just 15 ends.

Expectations of a West  Lothian IBC title double were high ahead of the finals  with 23-year old Calum Logan a hot favourite to repeat his  2011 success in the Junior  Singles.

Logan had it tougher than  expected to edge a 21-19  thriller over Kevin Wallace  of Alloa in the semis but  failed to shine at his best in a shock 21-12 defeat from Martin Williamson of Ardrossan in the final.