The Annual Masonic Bowling Challenge match between the Bowlers of the Province of Renfrewshire West and the Province of Ayrshire for the “Friendship Quaich “ was played at Prestwick Bowling Club on Sunday 25th August, 2013.
The Town of Prestwick has long been renowned for the amount of sunshine recorded during the summer months and Sunday 25th August 2013 did not let anyone down.
It was a glorious day with the players from both Provinces verifying everything good that has ever been said about Sunny Ayrshire.
There was a full compliment of 6 rinks from each Province, playing 17 ends.
Renfrewshire West even had a spare man , 25 in all, so we took advantage of this and applied the football rules and allowed a substitution whereby Bro. Jim Strachan (1121) had a rest after 8 ends and Bro. Richard Kennedy (68) came on for the next 9 ends.
All of the games were played out in a very friendly and competitive manner ,with suitable breaks for welcome refreshments being fitted in ,(which I think was even more acceptable to all concerned ,hopefully this is not why the scores seemed to alter slightly after each break!!)
At the finish five of the Renfrewshire West rinks were down with one heading for a win. The Province of Ayrshire once again had the pleasure of retaining the Trophy.
The scores showed a marked improvement from the Renfrewshire West Brethren than in previous years ,there was only a difference of 44 shots overall.
I was delighted when it came to the special prize for the highest up rink on the day (as it is known in bowling circles) This went to the Renfrewshire West rink consisting of Bro. N.Forbes,Bro. R.Love, Bro. B.Knox and Bro. M.Kerr who won by 23 shots and took great pleasure in accepting the special ¼ botlles of “Dalwhinnie” for their efforts.
Another very successful day was had by all the Brethren who played in this very aptly named competition “Friendship Quaich”.
James W. Miller IPPGM
Bowls Convener