SALSC National Junior Bowls Tournament 2008

SportRenfrewshire was selected to host the Scottish Association of Local Sports Councils' (SALSC) Junior National Bowling Championships. The event held at Hawkhead Bowling Club, Paisley on 28th June, 2008 saw 24 teams from all over Scotland compete with host club Hawkhead Bowling Club Junior Section representing SportRenfrewshire.

An excellent day of friendship and competition ensued displaying some first class bowls.

International players Kathy Houston and Anne Marie Fletcher attended with both agreeing that the standard of play was very high and they expected future Scotland Team members to come from the teams taking part.

Mr. Ron Sim, Chair of the SALSC Events Committee, Congratulated SportRenfrewshire for "putting on such a well organised tournament run with clockwork precision that has become synonymous with SportRenfrewshire. SALSC looks forward to the next National Tournament hosted by SportRenfrewshire as they always set the bench mark for organising and running such prestigious occasions. That is why we have no hesitation supporting and working with them. Well Done!”

Joyce Miller, National Director of Club Development, also came along spending the whole day witnessing the superb displays of bowls.
Joyce said "It is a delight to see so many young people not just playing to a high standard but enjoying themselves in the process. Youth is the life blood of any development programme. It sustains clubs by ensuring participation and new membership as well as producing international players of the future. SportRenfrewshire are to be congratulated for their efforts in increasing young people’s participation in this great sport as well as being responsible for the day’s proceedings".

The eventual finalists were Aberdeenshire and North Ayrshire who both kept up the excellent standards of play set throughout the tournament by producing a final match worthy of any competition. The SALSC Junior Bowls Tournament Winners 2008 being North Ayrshire.
However Although Aberdeenshire were runners up one of their number won "The Booler" prize of a pair of the new state of the art "Tiger Sport Bowls Shoes"

Honorary Vice President of SALSC, Mr. Angus McConnell, stated "I have attended many of these tournaments over the years and this one, hosted by SportRenfrewshire must be one of the best. But again it comes as no surprise as it is what we have come to expect from the Local Sports Council for Renfrewshire".

SportRenfrewshire and SALSC wish to thank the Officials and Members of Hawkhead Bowling Club for giving over their facilities to accommodate this esteemed tournament.

Thanks also to the umpires and judges on the day who gave their time freely ensuring the proceedings went well.

Special thanks to Ruth Corrigan, who acted as event manager, ensuring that the whole day ran smoothly and efficiently. From team registration to catering. Trophies to invitations as well as all the ancillary things needed to make sure the event was a huge success.

Thanks also to Arnold Clark Ltd. Phoenix Honda, Sportscotland Inverclyde, RCVS,
Hamish McLean Trophies, Anderson Catering, The Booler Magazine in supporting the event. Thanks are also due to the Players and Officials of the Competing Teams.

SportRenfrewshire Chairman Ian Lynchahon said,” we are delighted that the SALSC National Junior Bowls Tournament was a massive success. The teams and officials contributed immensely to that success but without the hard work and dedication of the Volunteers of the Executive committee of SportRenfrewshire none of that would have been possible. SportRenfrewshire exists to benefit, give advice, develop and sustain “sport for all” for its members locally, nationally and internationally. We are one of the most active local sports councils in Scotland, helping to provide opportunities to Renfrewshire sports people, clubs and organisations at all levels. Encouraging participation as well as helping to shape the future of “sport for all” in Scotland”.