After a superb week of bowling at Polmuir BC, we were back this afternoon for our Finals Day, which is held in two sessions.

Not only is it an exciting event for the competitors and host club, but this year it was extra special for Polmuir, as they had involvement in all 3 finals being played.

This report covers session 1 where the Champion of Champions Singles & Under 25 Singles, both sponsored by Slaters, were decided. Our line up for these matches was:

COC – Eric Gallan (Kittybrewster & Woodside) v Callum Work (Polmuir)
Under 25 – John Mackay (Whitehall) v Ellie Rendall (Polmuir)

Champion of Champions Singles:
It was home favourite Callum who made the better start counting a 3 at the opening end and two further singles in the next three ends to lead 5-1 after 4 ends. Eric then found his range as he collected 5 shots over the next 3 ends to lead for the first time 6-5. Each won one of the next 2 ends to leave Eric 8-6 ahead however end 9 saw Callum secure a full-house of 4 to jump back into the lead 10-8!

But Eric responded immediately with counts of 2 and 3 to now lead 13-10! However the way this game was going, it was no surprise to see Callum win the next 3 ends scoring 5 shots to lead 15-13! Which way was the results going to go?

Eric replied with 3 shots over the next 2 ends to lead again 16-15, then Callum counted a 2 (Callum 17-16 up) and then they traded singles over the next 2 ends (Callum 18-17 up).
End 21 …. Eric secured an invaluable 3 count to move 20-18 ahead however both players knew they could not afford a loose end going forward. Callum scored a single on the next end to trail 20-19. End 23 saw both players drawing close to the jack and after they had all played their bowls… the umpire was called to decide whether Eric had won or if we were going to sudden death end at 20-20! Has everyone held their breath, the measure was given in favour of Eric … to secure his first Champion of Champions Singles win in his 3rd final.

Congratulations to Eric and commiserations to Callum who will no doubt have further opportunities to join the ‘COC Club’.

Thanks to both players for a great match and exhibition of bowls not only today but throughout the week.

Under 25 Singles Final:
Following Tuesday’s semi-finals, neither of today’s finalists John Mackay or Ellie Rendall had previously won the Bon Accord Under 25 Singles therefore a new name would appear on the trophy.

Ellie made the better start moving 5-0 up after 3nds however John got on the board with a full-house 4 and followed this up with a single to level the match. Over the next 6 ends first Ellie moved 9-5 ahead before John struck back to 9-8 behind. However, the next four ends saw Ellie score 6 unanswered shots to lead 15-8. Four ends later with shots shared, Ellie now led 17-9 and was within one end of securing victory! John scored a single on the next end however Ellie responded with a 3 to lead 20-10. John scored a double to keep the game alive however Ellie proved to strong in the end and scored the single required to win 21-12!

Congratulations Ellie on a memorable win at your home club and commiserations to John, however you have had a wonderful season.