The Bon Accord squad and officials travelled to Newbattle Bowling Club, Newtongrange to play in this year’s Andrew Hamilton Trophy semi-final against West Lothian, who had defeated us in last year’s final.

We knew that it would be a very tough game but one thing the Bon Accord team, both this year and last, doesn’t lack is confidence in our ability and determination.

A good start was important, however West Lothian, as per last year’s final, made the better start picking up 8 shots on the first ends against 3 from Bon Accord. After three ends played over all the rinks Bon Accord trailed 9-19, however this was reduced to 18-22 following completion of the fourth ends.

At the end of the first quarter there was only seven shots between the teams with West Lothian leading 28-21. The individual rink scores were

Roy Henry 5, Stevie Fleming 4
Alan McKay 4, Grant Logan 5
Kevin Harper 0, Andy Dunnett 9
Kevin Pirie 6, Ray Logan 2
Andrew Thomson 2, Tommy Mann 5
Steve Thomson 4, Neil Speirs 3

Into the second quarter and as hard as Bon Accord battled, West Lothian responded with important shots at vital moments and we were finding it hard to score any counts to pull the scoreboard back. By the end of the 10th end across all the rinks West Lothian had extended their lead to 17 shots at 43-60. The rink scores saw Bon Accord up in two, level in one and down in three.

Roy Henry 9, Stevie Fleming 6
Alan McKay 8, Grant Logan 8
Kevin Harper 4, Andy Dunnett 13
Kevin Pirie 9, Ray Logan 7
Andrew Thomson 9, Tommy Mann 10
Steve Thomson 4, Neil Speirs 16

Quarter three needed Bon Accord to start making inroads into the West Lothian lead but instead West Lothian continued to turn the screw. After 15 ends played Bon Accord trailed 57-101 and the rink scores were

Roy Henry 10, Stevie Fleming 15
Alan McKay 12, Grant Logan 14
Kevin Harper 4, Andy Dunnett 25
Kevin Pirie 12, Ray Logan 12
Andrew Thomson 11, Tommy Mann 14
Steve Thomson 8, Neil Speirs 21

Into the last quarter now and the atmosphere around the green became subdued as the inevitable result was being played out. However, there was still chances to win individual rink matches in four of the games.

In the Roy Henry v Stevie Fleming game, Roy fell 11-17 down after 17 ends but then responded brilliantly by scoring three successive 3s to lead 20-17 playing the last. Despite losing a 2 at the last end they won 20-19.

Alan McKay rink scored seven unanswered shots to lead 19-14 with three ends left and then led by two playing the last. Alan’s rink scored a single at the last to win 20-17.

Kevin Pirie rink lost seven unanswered shots to fall 13-19 down with two ends left. Kevin’s rink secured singles at each of the final ends to go down 15-19.

Andrew Thomson’s rink lost the last five ends to lose their match 12-24.

The final score was Bon Accord 86, West Lothian 144.

The individual rink scores were

Roy Henry 20, Stevie Fleming 19
Alan McKay 20, Grant Logan 17
Kevin Harper 9, Andy Dunnett 37
Kevin Pirie 15, Ray Logan 19
Andrew Thomson 12, Tommy Mann 24
Steve Thomson 10, Neil Speirs 28

Congratulations to West Lothian on their win. It was not to be our day however we did gain further experience at the highest level in County bowls.

Following up last year’s final appearance with a semi-final appearance this year shows just how far the Bon Accord has progressed in the last two years.

After enduring a wait of 28 years to qualify We have now won the North Section in consecutive seasons with only one defeat in 14 games, which was by only one shot. And only West Lothian have beaten us in the knockout stages.

We have a lot to be proud of by our experiences this year and already the squad can’t wait for next season!!

A huge thank you to the all the players, reserves, officials and the club’s that hosted our home matches, but most of all to our supporters who both attended our home games and travelled to our away games.

Until next year!

C’mon the Bon Accord!! 🔴🔴🔴