MEMBERS of the Kilmun Carpet Bowls Club brought a successful and highly competitive season to a close with a celebratory dinner and prizegiving evening at the Ardentinny Hotel.
The event marked not only the end of another enjoyable year of bowls but also highlighted the club’s continued growth. Over the past four years, membership has steadily increased, breathing new life into the club and raising the overall standard of play. Encouragingly, the club is also seeing growing interest from younger players. Three junior members have been turning heads with their rapid improvement week by week, frequently giving the more experienced players a real challenge.
This season in particular saw an impressive level of competition, with newer members challenging the long-established players more than ever before. Nowhere was this more evident than in the fiercely contested Murray Cup — the club’s premier competition, played out over 14 weeks.
Historically, the trophy has been dominated by Dougie Menzies, who remarkably secured outright victory in 15 of 16 seasons. However, signs of change began to emerge last year when Fraser Pollock managed to draw level with him.
This year, the competition reached a new level of excitement. Going into the final night, five players were still in contention for the title — a testament to the depth of talent now within the club. In a dramatic conclusion, Fraser Pollock went one better than last season, securing a well-earned Murray Cup victory.
Shane Loveland finished as runner-up after a strong campaign, while joint third place was shared by Andy Love, Chris Bowen, Marion Bowen and the ever-consistent Dougie Menzies.
In addition to the Murray Cup, a further five trophies were contested throughout the season. Competition for these honours was equally fierce, with no single player dominating across the board — a clear reflection of the club’s growing strength in depth. That said, Andy Love’s consistent performances ensured his name will feature prominently on several of this year’s trophies.
Club members also enjoyed success beyond their home green, regularly competing at events hosted by neighbouring clubs. Shane Loveland claimed an impressive victory in the singles competition at Colintraive, while Mary Menzies and Dougie Menzies teamed up to win the doubles title at Innellan.
With rising membership, a strong mix of experience and youth, and increasingly competitive play across all competitions, Kilmun Carpet Bowls Club looks well set for many more successful seasons ahead.
Overall results
Murray Cup: Winner, – Fraser Pollock; Runner up, – Shane Loveland.
Mayo Watson: Winners, – Ali Maclean and Mary Menzies; Runner up, – Alison Chalmer and Shane Loveland.
Robinson Cup: Winners, – Andy Love and Mary Menzies; Runner up, – Fraser Pollock (senior) and Fraser Pollock (junior).
Patterson Shield: Winners, – Andy Love and Ali Maclean; Runner Up, – Mary Menzies and Chris Bowen.
Bob Balfour Cup: Duncan Chalmers and Andy Love; Runner up, – Fraser Pollock (senior) and Fraser Pollock (junior).
William Love Cup: Dougie Menzies and Pam Horton; Runner up, – Mandy Finfer and Ethan Loveland.
Storie Cup: Winner, – Andy Love; Runner up, – Eric Whitton.
