Commonwealth Games: Scotland’s bowlers off to flyer

THE FEELGOOD factor of the previous night’s triumphant opening ceremony rolled right into the start of sporting competition at Glasgow 2014, as Scotland’s bowlers made an impressive opening in the scenic setting of Kelvingrove Park in the city’s west end.

Scotland's women get their campaign underway with a fours match against the Cook Islands. Picture: SNS

A countdown and a klaxon preceded the beginning of the 20th Commonwealth games proper, as a healthy crowd offered warm applause as they prepared to take in the six matches that began, as scheduled, at 8,45am in a summer harr.

Scotland’s men’s triple team, lead by skip Darren Burnett, raced away from helpless opponents India who were eventually beaten 27-6. In the women’s fours, Scotland’s women had a tough contest against the Cook Islands before claiming a 16-11 win. The shock of the morning came in the women’s fours, with Norfolk Island scoring a memorable 17-13 win over South Africa.

The morning witnessed some shocks, though. In the women’s fours Zambia scored an emphatic 16-9 victory over a reeling Wales, while the tiny Norfolk Island beat a fancied South Africa 17-13. Meanwhile favourites Austria were run might close by Papua New Guinea before edging them out 12-10.