TWO short mat bowlers from Gretna have been selected for Scotland in the British Isles Championships in Prestatyn, North Wales in November.
Alastair Ritchie, 24, has been a member and played short mat bowls for Springfield, Gretna and District since the age of 12, while 21-year-old Jonathan has only been bowling since 2018.
The pair have been taking an active part in local competitions as well as travelling the length and breadth of Scotland from Stranraer to Aberdeen for the bigger championships. They have also taken part in the singles of the World Short Mat Players Tour which takes place at locations like Norway, Belgium, Belfast, Chelmsford, York and one day in Scotland. Currently for financial reasons the boys can only attend the York event to gain world ranking points.
Alastair has played three times and last year got through to the last eight out of 192 competitors and managed to accumulate enough points to be ranked 216 in the world, while Jonathan has only played last year and attained a world ranking of 428 for his effort.
Their best performance together is making the finals at an open competition at Aberdeen where they received many plaudits for their performance. Hopefully this will make them a formidable pair in Wales.
Another member of the club who made it onto the reserve list of the Scottish roster was James Bethune.
The club are always looking for new members, young and old of all abilities. All you need to start is a pair of flat soled shoes. Those interested are invited come along any Tuesday or Thursday evening at 7 pm to Gretna Social Club.
