THE FIRST open tournament on the Cowal bowling calendar took place at Dunoon Argyll Bowling Club on Saturday, May 2, as the club held its Western Ferries Mixed Triples.
A strong entry of 20 triples from clubs across Cowal and Bute took part in the competition, with teams initially playing four games on a random draw basis. The green, freshly cut and in excellent condition for early in the season, produced a high standard of play throughout the day.
After 40 matches in the opening stage, the top four teams progressed to the semi-finals. The final qualification place required a dramatic one-bowl shootout after two teams finished level on points and shot difference. Despite an excellent bowl from Mary Brooks of Dunoon Argyll, Bridie Ferguson of Bogleha Bowling Club delivered an even closer effort to send her team through.
Following two closely fought semi-finals, the final was won by the Kirn and Hunters Quay Bowling Club triple of Christine Goffin, Scott Richmond and Callum Goffin.
Runners-up were Isobel Lauder, Terry Walker and Stevie Scott of Bogleha. Losing semi-finalists were Eliz Oliphant and Ronnie Oliphant of Dunoon Argyll, playing alongside Bridie Ferguson of Bogleha, and the Dunoon Argyll trio of Jim Devlin, Rhona McCourt and Graham Morrison.
Accepting the trophy, Callum Goffin praised the quality of the green and thanked greenkeeper Colin Smith for his work in preparing the surface.
He also thanked Dunoon Argyll for organising the competition and acknowledged those who ran the event and provided hospitality throughout the day.
Club president Jim Campbell closed proceedings by thanking Western Ferries for continuing to sponsor the popular tournament. He also thanked all teams for taking part and wished bowlers well for the season ahead.
