THE president of a West Fife bowling club has said that they are “absolutely thrilled” after they medalled at national competition.

Inverkeithing Bowling Club were one of six from across West Fife that travelled to Ayr for the Bowls Scotland National Championships, which took place from July 17-23.

The Alma Street club were represented in the gents junior singles, gents pairs and gents over-55 singles, and returned home with gongs from the latter two events.

Scotland youth international Aaron Miller, who competed in the junior singles, and will represent his country at the 2022 Youth International Series later this month, reached the semi-finals of the gents pairs with dad, Steven, which gave them a bronze medal.

They lost out to Prestongrange 16-13, having beaten Coatdyle, Northern and Newton Stewart, while Stuart Pagan, who lost in the second round of the over-55s, teamed-up with David Junor, who was part of the first-ever Inverkeithing team to win the men’s triples at the championships in 2015, Ryan Cunningham and Nigel Walker to reach the final of the men’s fours.

After defeating West Kilbride, Dunoon Argyll, Fortrose and Rosemarkie and Hyndland, they faced off against Craigentinny in the showpiece match, but lost out 21-17 against the team from Edinburgh.

However, Joe McIntyre, president of Inverkeithing Bowling Club, said: “The club are absolutely thrilled at two medals coming from the national finals; fantastic efforts from both teams.

“We’re super proud of them all.”

Speaking to Bowls Scotland, Steven added: “I’ve been here three times, but this one’s special for me, and Aaron just performed so good every game.”

Also picking up a bronze medal were Kelty Bowling Club’s Ross Martin and Gillian Redpath, who advanced to the last four of the mixed pairs.

They lost to eventual winners, Sandhead, having beaten Craigentinny, West Netherton and Windygates Durievale on the way.

Kelty were also represented in the ladies pairs and over-55s fours, losing in rounds one (to Banton and Kelvinhead) and two (to Whitefield) respectively, whilst Dalgety Bay’s ladies triples rink of Margaret Dominy, Rachel Hunter and Arlene Forbes, the club secretary, reached round two, where they lost out to Planefield.

Hannah McGrory was another Dalgety Bay player in action, in the junior singles, reaching the second round, while Townhill’s Lynn Lees reached the same stage of the ladies singles.

Dunfermline West End lost in the gents triples first round, as did Tulliallan in the ladies over-55s fours, while Dunfermline-born Billy Allan reached the final of the para B6 singles, and the semi-finals of para three pairs.