Celebration as senior bowlers name sponsor of tournament

Aug 13 2009 by Our Correspondent, West Lothian Courier

THE Seniors Open tournament of the West Lothian Bowling Association has been successful in retaining the support of Weslo Housing Management as its headline sponsor for this year’s event and that good news coincides with an increase in entries from 118 to 141, writes Stewart Meikle.

“Our event is going from strength to strength with the Senior bowlers of the WLBA loving the opportunity to compete for a title that has grown in status since attracting the support of Weslo Housing Management,” said spokesman and joint organiser Robert Cuthell.

And the luck of the draw has ensured that the 2009 renewal will get off to a bang with defending champion Brian Holloran of Pumpherston facing Mike Ford of Kinneil in a first round clash that is a rerun of last years final.

The tournament dates are August 18, 20, 25 and 27 plus Sept 1 and 3 with the climax taking place at regular venue Glenmavis.

THE annual race for the WLBA Top Ten title at the semi final stage on Tuesday night with Buchan Park and Kirkliston clashing at Broxburn and Linlithgow going head to head with Queensferry at Bridgeness.

Last weeks quarter finals action saw Buchan Park in rampant form to crush Winchburgh 8-0 while Kirkliston also produced tip top home form as they stormed to an 8-0 success over Harthill.

If there was a shock of the round it was served up by Linlithgow who were away to Broxburn and after a 4-4 share of the points edged out the recent two in a row champions by the narrow margin of five shots.

Queensferry were at home to West Calder and progressed with 24 shots in hand.

The final of the Top Ten takes place this Sunday at 2pm and a late news flash from the secretary says that the showcase occasion will be staged at Bellsburn the home club of WLBA President Gary Clelland.

The Management Committee of the WLBA accepted Bellsburn as the venue for this showcase occasion after a late flurry of activity produced The Linlithgow Sports Club and Belhaven Brewery as confirmed replacement sponsors .

“The WLBA only got news on August 3 that our regular sponsor had pulled out but instant action from our Sponsorship Convener put forward a tripartite proposal that has found favour with two of the parties so far and with the third still to decide the end result is already good,” revealed Gary Clelland.

TONIGHT’S the night for the quarter finals action in the WLBA Top Five Singles Championship sponsored by the BARBQ group of clubs, Broxburn-Armadale- Ratho- Bankton Mains- Queensferry.

The line up features: Bo’ness v Queensferry; Newbridge v Linlithgow; Bathgate v Kirkliston; and Bridgeness v Armadale.

Last weeks second round results were: Glenmavis 2 Queensferry 3; Bo’ness 4 Middleton Hall 1; Linlithgow 3 Winchburgh 2; Newbridge 3 Buchan Park 2; Uphall Station 2 Bathgate 3; West Calder 2 Kirkliston 3; Pumpherston 2 Armadale 3; Bridgeness 4 Kinneil 1.

THE Scottish Bowling Association is in the market place for a Chief Executive Officer and offering a salary circa £35,000 per annum . Details on the website .

THE WLBA is also in the market place seeking to fill the post of secretary and more information is available by contacting Mark Wilson on 01506-632384 or by e-mal via markjanette@sky.com

THE Broxburn rink of Tommy Turnbull Stewart McMaster Jimmy Mallon and Ian Laverie won the recent Invitation Fours tournament at Linlithgow BC.