What a terrific night of bowling the spectators were treated to tonight at Northern BC. Two semi-finals that had bowls of the highest quality from all four players but unfortunately there can only be two winners who will contest the final at our Finals Day on Sunday.

In the top half of the draw Andrew Thomson (Whitehall) faced the host club champion Graeme Stuart (Northern). On the first end, Graeme drew his first three bowls all within about a foot of the jack which Andrew was unable to alter. Another three came Graeme’s way on end five at which point he was 8-1 ahead. Andrew was trying everything he could to get a foothold in the match which came on the eight end as he managed to win four consecutive ends which included a maximum four shots to lead 11-9. Graeme got it back level at 11s before another 4 for Andrew took him 15-11 ahead. Graeme won the next three ends with Singles to make it 15-14 then two ends later Graeme scored a three to go back in front at 17-16. Like boxers trading blows, Andrew hit back with a three of his own to lead 19-17 and then at the next end secured the two shots required to win 21-17 and move into Sunday’s final!

In the other semi-final, Neil Anderson (Kittybrewster) faced his Bon Accord County teammate Callum Work (Polmuir). It was Callum who made the better start winning four of the first five ends to lead 8-2. This became 11-4 to Callum before Neil started the comeback. Neil won six of the next seven ends to cut the deficit to only one shot at 11-12, however Callum responded winning the next four ends to lead 18-11 and one end away from victory. Neil picked up to singles to reduce the arrears but then Callum scored a further two shots to lead 20-13. On the 24th end and with darkness descending, Neil was match lie against him, the jack in the ditch and needing to draw within about two feet of the ditch in line with the jack with his last bowl to stay in the match…..and he duly did! Scores of three and two to Neil at the next two ends meant Callum now only led 20-19. After discussions with the umpire, the players decided to continue and at the next end it was Neil who scored two shots to win 21-20! Wow!

Congratulations to Andrew and Neil on reaching Sunday’s final however huge commiserations to Graeme and Callum as you both played superbly.

The final takes place on Sunday 8th September starting at 12 noon and again we will have a live scoring link in place to follow the action.