A GROUP of hard-working pool players from Argyll and Bute are headed to Cyprus for this year’s iteration of the sport’s European Championship.
Rachel Bowie and Craig McKechnie are flying the flag for Dunoon, while Louise Sutton will be putting Bute on the map.
The event will take place at the Adams Beach Hotel in Ayia Napa, starting on Saturday, February 21, and ending on Friday, February 27.
On the trip, Rachel Bowie said: “I am very excited as always to play in these championships.
“I am captain of the Scotland Ladies A Team and we will play other ladies teams from England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales, France, Portugal and Belgium.
“It’s such an honour to captain this ladies team, we have such a good team and we’re hoping we can make it third time lucky this year as we have been to two European finals in the last five years and finished runner-up.”
Whilst they compete in teams, they also have individual match-ups to contend with, as Rachel kicks off against Ireland’s Aoife King on the Monday, Craig takes on Jerome Lebret of France on Tuesday and Louise’s opponent is yet to be confirmed.
Ahead of the tournament, Craig McKechnie said: “It’s a huge honour to be chosen for the Scotland Men’s Over-60 B Team.
“Representing my country is something I’m extremely proud of, and I’m really looking forward to heading to Cyprus and giving it my all.”
Although it’s Craig’s first time in action for Scotland, Louise has much more experience.
The Ladies B Team vice-captain is competing for the 11th year for Scotland and will be heading to Cyprus for the first time this week.
She added: “Once again the European championships are upon us and I’m very much looking forward to them.
“It is once again such an honour to be part of the B Team. My aim is always to play well and support my teammates. Here’s to all the Scotland men, boys, lassies, and juniors – let’s go Scotland and bring home some silver.”
