Afternoon all

 

My isolation period has given me the time to finish the 2021 review. So sit back and hope you enjoy the review.

 

2021 SIGHTHILL BC REVIEW

 

2020 was a write off with the pandemic and we all hoped that we would get back to normal in 2021 but we were hit with another lockdown from Boxing Day. We were told three weeks and then another three weeks and it ended up being nearly four months. During that period we lost our President Davy Brannan, who sadly passed away in hospital.

 

It was April before we could open to be able to bowl again and have the bar open. The Committee, with new Presdident, Vice President and Treasurer and a few more new bodies made plans so that the Presidents Cup, 2 Bowl and Handicap could be played. With no Bowls Scotland events taking place we also organised the Nominated Pairs, Triples and Fours. The Committee also decided not to join the EBA Triples league for the season as at the time we decided it was best to protect our members as things were still fragile.

 

There was a Triples event set up by a few where there were weekly triples games on the Friday nights to get us back bowling. The draws were done for the other competitions and plans were made for the Sighthill Cup, where we had a new winning team.

 

As things continued to improve regarding the pandemic we competed in the Edinburgh Cup, Top 5 and Top 10. We even had players in the EBA knockouts and then held an Open Triples Event, which was very successful. We also had the Drummond Pairs, Hearts v Hibs, Shrek and Donkey Pairs and then the Ronaldson Pairs on Closing Day and even ended the season with the Hangover Triples.

 

Throughout the season the Seniors were very active and held a few competitions during the season. Credit to them where they also had their Wednesday ‘hat’ each week. The Ladies didn’t play as much this season but still held a few games to keep them ticking over. The Juniors were active and there were some great efforts during the season.

 

So all in all 2021 wasn’t too bad as the members got stuck in to try and make things as normal as could be with regards to the bowling. For 2022 fingers crossed we are back to normal on the bowling front with the leagues up and running across all the sections along with Bowls Scotland events and all our internal competitions.

 

That was a brief note of what went down but we now go into a little bit more detail of what did happen – so read on:

 

26th December – we all woke after our Christmas Day to be hit with the news that the Country had moved to tier 4 restrictions which meant the Club was shut – we were back in lockdown. We all hoped for a short period but deep down we knew that wouldn’t be the case.

 

12th January – still in lockdown but some of us were having a right good laugh with the singing videos as no one was missed from the ‘newbies’ crowd and there were some belters.

 

26th January – Sad news announced that our President Davy Brannan has passed away in hospital. Thoughts go out to all his friends and family. True gentleman who would do anything for anyone.

 

9th February – With us still in lockdown and unable to open the Club for Davy Brannan’s funeral it was great to see how many people turned up to line the street at the Club to pay their respects. Fantastic turnout from everyone and such a shame that so many were not allowed to attend his funeral but we gave Davy a great send off outside the Club.

 

24th February – Government announcement and its not the news we all wanted as we are still in lockdown and looks like it will be for a while.

 

24th March – Committee met to prepare for opening for bowls, reopening the bar, outside drinking and an opening day after the recent Government announcement. We will open for bowls on Saturday 17th April with the bar then reopening on Monday 26th April. Happy days and counting down the days.

 

30th March – As we can’t have an AGM at the moment the fees will remain at the same prices and the date for fees due has been extended to end of June.

 

3rd April – not long now and when we open for bowling on the 17th the sheets will be on the board for the following competitions – The Presidents Cup, Nominated Pairs, Triples, Handicap and 2 Bowl. These Competitions are open this year to ALL members from each section. Entry sheets also for the U25’s and Junior Competitions. Looking to start the Competitions in mid May

 

17th April – BOWLING RETURNS and we had Alan Clack, with his new bowls, nailing the jack with his first bowl. We had a wee triples comp between the lads where SAS’ triple lost a 6 and a 7 and Andy Duff’s triple lost a 6 and 9 – great to back eh lads !!! was going along well until Shrek realised he messed up the fixtures so the comp was scrapped – I’m blaming it on my ‘beachbaws’ haha.

 

18th April – Management Committee have made the decision not to enter the EBA Tournaments as in the Triples League as there us nothing at stake and with the ongoing issues with the virus the decision was taken to try and keep our members safe.

 

25th April – one day to go until the bar opens. Been a long six months since the bar was last open but remember once you have bought your pint then its outside you go to drink it. Remember to use the one way system and have your mask on whilst in the bar.

 

30th April – week 1 of the Out Of Lockdown Triples gets underway. This Triples event will run each Friday evening for 9 weeks and then it’s the play off to decide the overall winner.

 

1st May – OPENING DAY – new President John House is sworn in, Dougie McKay announced as Vice President and John Green announced as Treasurer. New members to the Committee are John McDermott, Scott Chalmers, Gary Connelly, Dean Scanlin and David Aitken. Anyone wishing to play to grab a disc for the draw. Good day was had by all. We even had Jimmy Walker and Willie Barbour making an appearance – with Jimmy stating they were going to clean up this season – wonder how that will work out ??

 

6th May – SENIORS OPENING DAY – excellent turnout for the Seniors making their appearance on the greens. Sheets are up for the Senior Competitions for this year.

 

17th May – The day has finally arrived where we are allowed back in for ‘inside’ drinking. Good to see so many members at the Club enjoying a pint indoors.

 

18th May – All the draws take place in the Lounge for The Presidents Trophy, Handicap, 2 Bowl, Nominated Pairs and Triples and there are some cracking ties to look forward to.

 

23rd May – Super 6 finishes with the last day of the Premiership – the winner was John Green. 2nd place was Stephen Routledge. Joint 3rd was Karyn McGarvie and Jamie MacNab.

 

26th/27th May – We had a Covid case so in order to ensure the safety of our members, staff and visitors the Committee arranged for the Club to be cleaned using fogging/sanitising treatment. Once the work was complete the Club was able to reopen.

 

3rd June – The Fleming Trophy got underway and we had six making it thru to the next round. They were Scott Moodie, Beth Isbister, Jamie Ronaldson, Luke Corbett, Ryan Ironside and Aaron Donald.

 

10th June – Fleming Trophy night where Luke Corbett got a bye, Scott Moodie won, Beth Isbister lost, Jamie Ronaldson won and in the final game Ryan Ironside defeated Aaron Donald 21-18. So we have four players in the Quarter Finals and they have managed to avoid each other.

 

11th June – Ladies Edinburgh Cup gets underway with our Ladies at home to Liberton. It turned out to be a winning night for the Ladies as they won 4-2 to advance to the next round.

 

14th June – SCOTLAND in the Euros – after 23 years Scotland are playing in a major tournament. Good turnout to watch the afternoon kick off but we are all left disappointed as Scotland lost 0-2 to the Czech Republic.

 

16th June – Fleming Trophy and is not good news as Luke Corbett lost 21-14 in the Quarter Finals.

 

17th June – Top 5 have been selected and they are Gary Connelly, John McDermott, James Halliday, Jamie Ronaldson & Scott Moodie. Game is on Sunday 20th at Sighthill BC.

Fleming Trophy result and its more bad news as Jamie Ronaldson has lost 21-16 in his Quarter Final.

18th June – Its Scotland in the Euros tonight and its against England. Club is packed, Scotland defend well and could have nicked a goal but it’s a 0-0 draw to take the group to the final game.

 

20th June – Top 5 are in action with a home tie v Seafield BC and it’s a success as the lads secure a fine 4-1 win. Well done lads.

 

21st June – EDINBURGH CUP – we have been drawn against the holders, Carrickknowe. The tie is on Friday 9th July and hopefully revenge time as we lost to them in the last final. The team has been selected so well done to everyone who made the 24.

 

22nd June – Its Fleming Trophy Quarter Finals and Scott Moodie and Ryan Ironside are both at Seafield but unfortunately its defeat for both so we have lost all four Sighthill lads at the same stage.

Final game in the Euros for Scotland where a victory is required to qualify but we all knew it would end in glorious failure as Scotland lost to Croatia.

 

27th June – We are hosting the Willie Wood U16’s – Beth Isbister reached the semi finals, losing at the last end and earlier had an excellent win against Aaron Betts. Great experience also for Hannah McDermott, Joshua Donald and James Isbister.

 

29th June – The teams have been selected for this years Sighthill Cup, which takes place on Saturday 3rd July. Crofters, Silver Wing and the Dodger are looking to win it for a 2nd time but there is a confidence in the Sighthill camp as Jimmy Walker is stating it is his teams year. Sure we heard the same thing last year.

 

30th June – Early indication in the polls have the Silver Wing as favs, followed by the Dodger with Crofters and Sighthill bringing up the rear but we all know polls are rubbish…….or are they ???

 

1st July – The banter has been flowing all week for the Sighthill Cup but the Dodger have been dealt a blow as they have lost their talisman Smaj. Despite the blow the Dodger moved swiftly to secure the signing of weeeeee Gary Connelly, who was bundled thru the back door of the Dodger to sign the papers. The picture was soon released with weeeee Gary with the scarf above the head and was quoted – ‘I’ve always wanted to play for the Dodger since I was a weeeee boy’ .

 

2nd July – It’s the final group matches in the Triples League and the triple coming out on top of the League were Phil Hartley, George Aitken and Scott Chalmers. We now move to the Knockouts with the semi finals and final.

 

3rd July – Sighthill Cup day and was great to see all the teams in the t-shirts with the faces of Chris Walsh and Davy Brannan on the front as they were both a huge part of the Sighthill Cup. Big thanks to George Aitken for arranging the t-shirts. Dodger pulled another master stroke as they secured Scott Moodie who replaced Robbie Hendry who was ill.

 

Action got underway and the first results with the Silver Wing defeating defending Champions Crofters 7-0 and the Dodger, with their late replacements, defeating Sighthill BC 5-2. – Great start for the Wing and the Dodger.

 

Second game results and it’s a fightback time as Sighthill BC defeated Silver Wing 6-1 and Crofters defeated the Dodger 7-0. So all 4 teams have a chance of reaching the final with one game to go.

 

Third game results and it is so close – Crofters beat Sighthill BC 4-3 and the Silver Wing defeated the Dodger 4-3. It would be a countback that decided the finalists and they will be Silver Wing and Sighthill BC.

Jimmy Walker has reached the final – maybe it is his year ????

 

For the final it was clear that the crowd only wanted one winner and it wasn’t the Wing. There was a bit of ‘sledging’ going on between Shrek and Darth but it was all in fun and in the end it was Sighthill BC who came out on top with a 5-2 victory. Well done to Sighthill BC and unlucky to the Silver Wing but it was a great day where everyone enjoyed it. There was plenty banter in the evening where Jimmy Walker never let that Sighthill Cup out of his sight and well done Yaba for wearing the lavvy seat for the Dodger finishing last.

 

The winning team were Sighthill BC – James Halliday, Scott Chalmers, Brian (Skip) Malone, Stevie Routledge, Darth Connelly, Ricky Lynch, Willie Barbour, Nicky Mackay and their leader Jimmy Walker.

 

5th July – Edinburgh Cup is on Friday and last week there was a member of the Carrickknowe team in the Club. They asked Aaron Donald for a copy of our selected 24 and Aaron set them up brilliantly where he changed all the names of each player and sent the revised team on – never laughed so much – brilliant Aaron.

 

8th July – The Ladies are back in action as they travel to face London Road Foundry in the Quarter Finals of the Edinburgh Cup and I’m happy to report is a victory for our Ladies as they advance to the Semi Finals after a fine 5-2 victory.

 

9th July – now it’s the Gents in Edinburgh Cup action as we play Carrickknowe BC. At Sighthill it was the visitors who flew out the traps and led in all three games but news filtered thru that down at Carrickknowe it was Sighthill who made a great start aswell. For about an hour or so it was really tight with only a couple of shots over the whole match but just when you need that bit of luck it didn’t fall the Sighthill way and it ended in a narrow 5-7 defeat. Great effort by all and so unlucky.

 

11th July – Special moment at 13:00 as the bench for Chris Walsh was unveiled.

 

11th July – Top 5 were involved in a classic, away to Carrickknowe BC. Two wins and two defeats it was down to the last game. 19-19 and weee Gary is lying game but a wonder bowl from the Carrickknowe lad, as he trails the jack, knocks our boys out of the top 5 as we go down 2-3. Unlucky lads – great game.

 

16th July – Its Triple League semi finals where Colin Pratt, Aaron Donald and Gary Connelly defeated Smaj, Ross Hendry and Alan Clack. In the other semi it was victory for Yaba Moyes, Sean Kelly and Jim Still as they defeated Phil Hartley, George Aitken and Scott Chalmers.

 

20th July – Top 10 were due to play away to Goldenacre BC but the game was called off so Sighthill BC move into the next round.

 

22nd July – Edinburgh Cup Semi Final for the Ladies as they travel to face Craigentinny BC but it was not to be as the Ladies narrowly lost out on making it to the Final. Unlucky Ladies.

Also the start of the EBA Knockouts and in the Pairs we had Davy Connelly and Alan Clack advancing to the next round with a comfortable win over Leith BC.

In the Triples we had George Aitken, David Ferguson and Scott Chalmers defeated the triple from Juniper Green BC to advance to the next round.

 

23rd July – The Triples League, which started early in the season, has the Final tonight where we have Colin Pratt, Aaron Donald and Gary Connelly up against Yaba Moyes, James Halliday and Jim Still. In the end it was victory for Colin, Aaron and Gary – well done to the winning triple. Great wee event this was as it got everyone who took part playing competitive bowls. Good recognition for some of the lads as they ended up representing the Club by taking part in the EBA Knockouts. Well done to all.

 

27th July – Its Top 10 action tonight as the lads head down to Summerside BC. The 10 are : Singles – Gary Connelly. Pairs – Jamie Ronaldson & John McDermott. Triples – James Halliday, Scott Moodie and Scott Lyell. Fours – Ross Noble, Alan Isbister, Stuart Isbister and Aaron Donald. I’m delighted to report that it’s a fine 5-3 win for the Sighthill lads – well done

 

27th July – The Club announce that we will be holding an OPEN TRIPLES event on Saturday 28th August. Should be a cracking event which will hopefully attract some of the top players.

 

29th July – EBA Knockout Thursday: In the Ladies Pairs it’s a win for Mary Price and Hilda Melrose against Craigentinny BC.

In the Gents Singles – Scott Moodie lost his Singles tie v Currie BC.

In the Pairs – Davy Connelly and Alan Clack won their Pairs tie at Colinton BC.

In the Triples – George Aitken, Davy Ferguson and Scott Chalmers won their Triples tie at Colinton BC.

In the Fours – Ryan Ironside, Ross Hendry, Scott Lyell and Stephen (Peacock) Graham won their Fours tie at Currie BC.

 

3rd Aug – Our Juniors have been in action as they attempt to reach the National Finals. Scott Moodie won his tie against Colinton BC and now heads to Stirling in September for the finals.

The triple of Hannah McDermott, Joshua Donald and Beth Isbister won their tie to make it to the finals at Newbridge later this month.

The Pairs, James Isbister and Owen Moss lost in their tie with Carrickknowe BC.

 

3rd Aug – Quarter Finals of the Top 10 as we hosted Carrickknowe BC but it was not to be our night as Carrickknowe ran out comfortable winners.

 

5th Aug – Its EBA Knockouts and we have Lesley Donald in Ladies Singles action as she heads down to Jessfield to face Goldenacre BC. Lesley was given the tie and moves to the next round.

In the Ladies Pairs Mary Price and Hilda Melrose were given the tie and move into the next round.

In the Ladies Triples Hannah McDermott, Beth Isbister and Abby Cairns ended up all square v Bainfield BC so an extra end was required where the girls lost out.

In the Ladies Fours we had Allison McDonald, Mags Finlayson, Peggy Skirving and Mags McLoughlin in action v Tanfield BC but it ended in defeat for the Ladies.

In the Gents Pairs Davy Connelly and Alan Clack lost out at the last end v Tanfield BC

In the Gents Triples George Aitken, David Ferguson and Scott Chalmers advanced to the next round with victory over Liberton BC

In the Gents Fours Ryan Ironside, Ross Hendry, Scott Lyell and Stephen Graham lost at the last end v Parkside BC

 

8th Aug – DRUMMOND PAIRS – Excellent turnout for this event where we had four sections where each pair played four games. The top two in each section advanced to the Quarter Finals. Rain delay for 90 minutes but we ended up with Ali McIntosh and Sas Martinez up against Neil Routledge and Ryan Ironside in the Final. An extra end was required to determine the winners who were Neil and Ryan. Well done lads and thanks to everyone who turned out.

 

12th Aug – Its EBA Knockouts where in the Ladies Singles Lesley Donald was up against Bainfield BC. It wasn’t to be Lesley’s night as she lost out.

In the Ladies Pairs Mary Price and Hilda Melrose were up against Goldenacre BC but it wasn’t the Ladies night as they also suffered defeat.

In the Gents Triples George Aitken, Davy Ferguson and Scott Chalmers were up against Queensberry BC but it was defeat for the triple.

 

14th Aug – Semi Finals of the Presidents Cup where we have Jamie Ronaldson v Ryan Ironside and Ross Noble v Davy Ferguson. Two cracking ties which went the way of Jamie and Ross.

Semi Final of the Nominated Fours where there was an upset as Raymie Lorimer, Shrek, George Aitken and Ross Hendry defeated Scott Moodie, Andy Donald, Aaron Donald and Gary Connelly with an end to go. What a scalp for the underdogs defeating the so called ‘hotpots’.

 

15th Aug – There was an Open Australian Pairs held at Bainfield BC where Sighthill had a few taking part. In the end it was the Sighthill pair of Scott Moodie and Aaron Donald who battled thru their group and the knockouts to win the event and being crowned Australian Pairs Champions. Well done lads and good to see getting knocked out the Nominated Fours by the underdogs didn’t upset you too much!!!!

 

16th Aug – EBA Mixed Rink at Tanfield where our four of Abby Cairns, Beth Isbister, Alan Isbister and John McDermott won their semi final vs Brunstone. Fantastic result where the mixed four will face Maitland BC in the final in September.

 

18th Aug – The Seniors welcome Wellcroft BC from Glasgow for a few drinks and a game of bowls. Lovely sunny day where Dougie McKay was in charge of the drinks tickets. Lets just say we had more drinks that we were allowed as the tickets were chucked about like confetti by Dougie haha. Boy couldn’t run a raffle haha – thanks Dougie.

 

22nd Aug – PRESIDENTS TROPHY FINAL between Jamie Ronaldson and Ross Noble. Excellent game to watch where both players were on their game but in the end it was Jamie who took the title with a 21-16 victory. Well done to Jamie and unlucky Ross.

 

25th Aug – We were told the sad news that Alec Phillips had passed away. Always went out his way to try and help the guys with bowling tips. RIP Alec.

 

26th Aug – NOMINATED FOURS FINAL – the ‘underdogs’ of Raymie Lorimer, Shrek, George Aitken and Ross Hendry flew out the traps and led by 5 shots but the experience of Alan Isbister, Jamie Ronaldson, Stuart Isbister and Scott Lyell fought back to lead by 6 shots after 10 ends. Underdogs cut the deficit to 1 point after 12 ends but then lost a 5 at the 14th end so the damage was done. Well done to Alan, Jamie, Stuart and Scott on their victory.

 

27th Aug – Beth Isbister is the East Calder Junior Champion after she won the final 21-17. Well done Beth.

 

28th Aug – OPEN TRIPLE EVENT – Action got underway at 10:00 and the event was well attended with many entries from other Clubs. Battling thru the groups and then the knockouts we ended in near darkness for the final which was contested between John McDermott, Ross Noble and Alan Trotter vs Davy McNair. Graeme Eddington and Rab Marshall. In the end it was victory for Davy, Graeme and Rab. Well done to the winners and thanks to everyone who took part – fantastic day and look forward to holding the same again next year.

 

28th Aug – Junior Triple National Finals at Newbridge – Our triple of Hannah McDermott, Joshua Donald and Beth Isbister gained good experience but unfortunately they failed to qualify for the knockout stages.

 

2nd Sept – HANDICAP FINAL – we have Brian Malone up against Aaron Donald. Brian starts well and opens up a healthy lead, with his handicap, but Aaron fights back well. As hard as Aaron tried to reduce the gap Brian matched him as both players produced some fantastic bowls. In the end it was a victory for Brian with a 25-14 victory. There is also no truth in the rumour that Shrek chalked the jack – there was a movement towards it but I didn’t spray !!! Honest.

 

4th Sept – EBA Knockout Mixed Rink Final – the Sighthill four of Abby Cairns, Beth Isbister, Alan Isbister and John McDermott were up against Maitland BC but it was not to be the victory we wanted as the four suffered defeat. Unlucky to the four.

 

4th Sept – It’s the Annual Challenge of the NEWBIES v SENIORS where we had two teams of 24 involved in the battle. The Newbies for out for revenge after defeat to the Seniors last year but not to be as Captain Sas Martines suffered defeat yet again as the Seniors came out on top again. Think the Newbies need a new Captain !! Well done to Captain Stan Blyth and all his Senior players.

 

5th Sept – National Finals at Perth for Scott Moodie where he aims to become National Champion. Scott made the perfect start by winning all his group games to reach the semi finals. Scott then managed to win that and reached the final. In the final Scott put in a fantastic effort but just lost out. Fantastic achievement Scott – well done from everyone at the Club.

 

8th Sept – Nominated Pairs Semi Final where we had Brian Malone and Alan Clack up against Stuart Isbister and Scott Lyell. Malone and Clack led 4-0 but Isbister and Lyell then nudged ahead 5-4. Malone and Clack were then on fire as they raced ahead 17-5 after 10 ends but Isbister and Lyell fought back to reduce the gap to a shot. Second last end Malone plays a peach to take the shot and it ended up a 19-17 win for Malone and Clack. Well done lads.

 

11th Sept – Its DERBY weekend and on the green its Hearts, captained by Alan Clack, vs Hibs, captained by Sas Martinez. You may recall that Hearts gave the Hibs a 9-0 thumping last year so the Hibs were out for revenge but it ended up, yet again, a comfortable win for the Hearts team as they won 9-4. Well done to Alan Clack and the Hearts team. As for Hibs……see you next season.

 

15th Sept – The Seniors are off on their travels as they head thru to Wellcroft BC in Glasgow for a few drinks and bowls. Sure the Seniors enjoyed the day out.

 

19th Sept – JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL – We had Scott Moodie up against Joshua Donald and it was experience that told in the final as Scott won the Championship.

 

24th Sept – Seniors Singles Final was due to be played between Adam Melrose and Davy Ferguson but was called off due to an injury to Davy.

We did have the Under 25’s Final between Scott Moodie and Ryan Ironside. In the early stages it was Ryan who raced into an 8-0 and also led 15-6 but the experience of Scott, who kept plugging away, saw him reduce the deficit before then taking the lead to take the title of Under 25 Champion with a 21-18 win. Great effort from both players in what was a fantastic game to watch.

 

25th Sept – its SHREK N DONKEY PAIRS and when the draw was done on the day it was Shrek(John Green) and Donkey(Sas Martinez) who got drawn together. There were two sections of 5 with the top 2 in each section meeting in the semi finals and then the final. Group 1 had Shrek and Donkey winning all 4 games and they faced Andy Donald and Liz Pratt in the semi. The other semi was between unbeaten Raymond McGovern and Stephen Graham up against Ali McIntosh and John Walsh. The winners were McIntosh and Walsh who would face Shrek and Donkey in the final. I have to say the semi final with Liz Pratt was eventful with Liz, accidently, kicking bowls and trying the most outrageous ‘sledging’ ever witnessed as she attacked Shrek at every opportunity. It was a brutal attack to which Im still recovering from haha.

In the final it was Shrek and Donkey who won. Leading playing the last end the wee donkey produced a fantastic trail thru of the jack at the last end to secure victory. Imagine winning your own event after being paired together !!!

Great laugh on the day and well done to Shrek and Donkey on their victory.

 

28th Sept – Announcement that the Club will be having a Golf Section. Plenty of early interest in this.

 

13th Oct – The Seniors have there Closing Day where no doubt there will be a few drinks but at least Dougie McKay isn’t handing out the tickets after his Wellcroft ticket fiasco haha

 

14th Oct – Delighted to say that work on the Ladies toilets will start on 15th November. Big thanks to George Aitken and his squad for taking this on.

 

16th Oct – CLOSING DAY where it was decided that the Ronaldson Pairs would be held. There were a few call offs but we still managed to get each pair to play three games before the semi finals and then final.

In the Final it was John Green and Jamie Ronaldson up against Stewart Blake and Ryan Ironside. Green and Ronaldson were on top from the start and ran out winners of the Ronaldson Pairs. Well done to both but it has to be mentioned – how on earth did they win the semi final as they were 9-1 down with three to play – ask Raymie McGovern as he will tell you how him and Ted Gatier lost 10 shots in the last three ends – sorry Raymie !!!

 

17th Oct – Hangover Pairs became Hangover Triples as only 6 turned up. We had Raymie McGovern, John Green and Aaron Donald up against Lesley Donald, John Walsh and Scott Moodie. The triple of Donald, Walsh and Moodie raced into a 9-3 lead but were pegged back to take the game to an extra end where it was McGovern, Green and Donald who took the spoils. There were jubilant scenes on the green but wee Scott Moodie threw the biggest huff ever, kicking bowls, temper tantrum, toys out the pram – was so funny to witness. After all he has achieved this year it appeared that losing the Hangover Triples upset him the most haha.

 

26th Oct – Golf Section have their first outing booked for Saturday 13th November – should be fun.

 

3rd Nov – Its huge congrats to Charlotte Park and Aaron Donald as they announce the arrival of their daughter Harper.

 

13th Nov – What a day at the golf. There was good golf, shots going thru legs, putts holes and one group getting lost as they missed out two holes. The missing group of Yaba, Murray and James eventually realised the mistake and I’ll never forget the sight of Murray walking all the way up the hill to play the two ‘missing’ holes and then walking back down the hill – so funny the poor guy couldn’t speak.

The Texas Scramble format worked very well as it kept everyone involved. From the 5 teams we had 3 teams scoring 67 and 2 on 63 so a countback was required to determine the winning team. The winning team consisted of Brian Malone, Alan Clack, Derek Mitchell and George Aitken. Well done the winners but sure we will all agree it was a great day with more to come next year.

 

15th Nov – Work starts on the Ladies toilets and they will be finished by the weekend.

 

20th Nov – PRESENTATION NIGHT – The trophies will be Presidents Cup, 2 Bowl, Handicap, Nominated Pairs, Nominated Triples, Nominated Fours, Drummond Pairs, Ronaldson Pairs and Under 25’s. Not a great turnout in the end but was still a good night.

 

20th Nov – Ladies toilets are finished and they look fantastic. Well done to George Aitken and his squad for all their work. Sure all the Ladies are delighted with the new toilets.

 

4th Dec – Golf Section Racenight was well attended and we made a good bit of cash for the Golf boys to go towards their outings next year. Thanks to all who turned up.

 

11th Dec – KIDS CHRISTMAS PARTY – was well attended and it appeared that the kids had a great time. Think even the parents enjoyed it as well. Big thanks to Dougie McKay for being Santa and to all the girls who were involved in the food, drinks, presents and entertainment.

 

16th Dec – It’s the Seniors Christmas Lunch where it was great to see George Riley conducting the sing song in the main hall and the lounge.

 

20th Dec – It’s the Ladies Christmas Lunch where all the Ladies have enjoyed a few sherries and plenty mince pies.

 

22nd Dec – It’s the Bar Staff night out as they head down to Fabio’s for a meal after the Glitter Ball on the 29th was cancelled. Sure they will all have a great night and thoroughly deserved for the work they do behind the bar every day and night for all members and visitors at functions. Great bunch.

 

I hope you have all enjoyed the review of the year and lets hope 2022 is better and we get back to all the Leagues, BS Comps, EBA Comps and all internal comps. I’ll finish with a few thanks :

 

First up I want to thank all my fellow Committee members for their support and efforts in 2021. Not been an easy year but we have all worked well together to reach decisions in the best interests of the Club.

 

To Kathleen Barr – who has been a great asset in assisting with the Treasury duties in making sure all the invoices etc are on the system.

 

To Alan Isbister – who looks after the wages and pension contributions for all the staff.

 

To Stan Blyth – for his shifts on the bar, running the Joker Jackpot and all the work he does in the Club that goes unnoticed.

 

Huge thanks to all the bar staff – Willie Edgar, Connie Reynolds, Carrie Reynolds, Jo Cassie, Claire Marshall, Kim Watson, Leah McIntosh, Lindsay Weston, Ryan Ironside and Kai Cockerell – all of you have done a fantastic job throughout the year so many thanks.

 

Big mention to Stephen Graham who has carried out some amount of work at the Club. So much work indoors and with the help of Alan Isbister and James Isbister they got the ‘hedge’ under control and suffered a few cuts along with the wasp stings. Also the work carried out on the roof where I think Dougie McKay held the ladder haha.

 

To Sandy Watson and the gardeners – it’s a huge thanks for all the work that has been carried out throughout the year. It is much appreciated by everyone.

 

To Ted Gatier and Caroline Reynolds and all others who assist in the kitchen – we thank you for the excellent catering services for the year.

 

To Stuart Taylor, Kim Watson, Jo Cassie and Claire Marshall – thanks for all the cleaning that has been carried out within the Club – but jesus……..we need new hoovers after that stint I did upstairs. Me prancing about like Mrs Doubtfire for two hours was not a pretty site with the dodgy hoover haha.

 

Finally a huge thanks to all members and visitors who have attended the Club this year. Your support means a lot as we battle through these tough times. We have done well this year by all working together and supporting each other. There has been lots of good times but also a few sad moments but lets hope 2022 brings a lot of success and happiness to all.

 

So that’s 2021 wrapped up – well done to everyone who won a trophy this year across the sections.

 

I hope you all had a great Christmas and enjoyed New Year as much as you could with the latest restrictions and lets look forward to successful 2022.