Inaugural memorial bowls match sees 42 pairs enter
Inveraray Carpet Bowls Club held an open carpet doubles event on Saturday March 2 in memory of former member Alan Cameron, an extremely valued member of the club, whose presence has been greatly missed this season.
This event resulted in a huge turnout from all across Argyll, all to remember a great friend who was a key member of the club, a main organiser of events.
Fourteen clubs – 42 pairs – were represented, ranging from: Kilmun, Strachur, Cairnbaan, Benderloch, Dalmally and as far as two pairs from Acharn on the banks of Loch Tay.
The evening was held in the Campbell Room of the Inveraray Inn, kindly given free of charge. With the generosity of Cairndow Bowls Club, six tables were in play, allowing the event to get through the large number of entries in good time.
With the help of WD Semples, tables were transported from the church hall where club nights are usually held.
The Campbell room was perfect for running the event, with a large space and excellent bar staff.
Locals supplied hospitality with home-baking, snacks and hot refreshments, which were greatly needed as the tournament last around seven hours in total.
The raffle had more than 30 prizes, all generous donations. Including vouchers from Inverawe Smokehouse and Samphire Restaurant in Inveraray.
A wide array of ages and skill abilities played, with a 12-year-old pairing and many people playing for the very first time.
Each game consisted of six bowls and seven ends. It took six rounds of knock-out stages until the final could be reached.
The evening was packed, with very hard fought for games and tight scoring.
The first losing semi-finalists included Georgie
Cossar and Alistair MacLean (Kilmun) and the second losing semi-finalists included Brodie Crawford and Duncan Crawford (Furnace).
The runners-up were Archie MacColl-Smith and Scott MacIntyre (Inveraray).
The winners of the first Alan Cameron Memorial Cup were Rhuaridh MacKay and Angus MacGillivray (Dalmally).
The kind donation for the runners-up prizes were from Londis Inveraray.
And first place was sponsored by The Loch Fyne Whiskies.
A club spokesperson said: “Without our generous sponsorships and help from many individuals, this event would not be possible. On behalf of the club, we would like to pass on our thanks. We hope to welcome everyone back again on Saturday March 1 2025.”