Morayshire Indoor Bowling Association mark half century of cup competition
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FOCHABERS have won the 50th running of the prestigious Christie Cup with a 14-2 victory over Alves in the final.
The event was played over two weekends in Fochabers.
Ronald Christie and his wife attended the special anniversary ceremony in the afternoon, where Sandy Wyllie proposed the toast and honorary member Joyce Gordon cut the anniversary cake.
A special presentation, of a silver salver along with framed photo and bottle of champagne, was made to Ronald and his wife Christine by Ronald Gordon – with flowers presented to both Christine and Joyce.
Vice president Richard Pennie thanked president Mark Woodhouse along with senior committee members John Wiles (secretary) and Jake Morrison, the committee and everyone involved in the smooth running of the competition which this year attracted 49 entries.
Holders Andy Wright (Dufftown) went out at the first round stage – as the jinx which has seen no team successfully defend the Christie Cup continued. The tournament attracted a lot of distinguished names with some of the former winners who no longer bowl making a special return to honour the event.
Fochabers, who won the first Christie Cup in 1969, were to win the 50th running of the competition.
George Duncan, Bill Robertson and Mark Woodhouse (skip) were extremely impressive throughout the tournament.
In the final, they played previous winners Alves, skipped by Colin Taylor.
Fochabers started well, scoring three shots on the second end to lead 4-0 followed by two singles to lead by six.
Alves got off the mark at the next end only for Woodhouse to increase the lead to 9-1 with consistent bowls.
Taylor was again unfortunate when lying a double as Woodhouse kept the heads tight.
Woodhouse then drew a superb shot on the penultimate end with two shots against him to clinch victory and a first Christie Cup success for his triple.
