Mark of a champ as Johnston pulls off stunning win
Mark Johnston captured the gents singles title at East Lothian IBC for a second time after he beat two times former champion Scott Kennedy in a cracking 21-19 final that lasted a mammoth 25 incident packed ends in front of a bumper crowd at Meadowmill stadium.
2001 champion Johnston was forced to produce one the greatest comeback ever witnessed in a singles final having trailed Kennedy 13-1 and it could have been a lot worse as he saved numerous counts in the opening exchanges with his final delivery.
However, slowly but surely the former national champion crept into the match and eventually starting to play a blinder that Kennedy simply had no answer too and ran out a deserved winner.
Credit
"I'm absolutely ecstatic to win this prestigious title for a second time and even more exciting for me it now brings me the major bonus of another go at the national title next season," beamed Johnston.
A dejected Kennedy said afterwards: "To be so far in front and lose is very disappointing but all the credit must go to Mark as he could have easily folded at 13-1 but he dug deep and came onto an absolute blinder and in the end deserved to win."
Commanding
The final of the ladies singles championship was also down for decision last Friday evening and Yvonne Veitch was crowned queen of her county for a second time when she defeated junior cap Emma Brown 21-11.
Brown did grab some silverware during the course of finals week as she won the ladies junior singles title with a commanding 21-9 triumph over Dee Hoggan.
Full details in East Lothian News, April 23, 2010
The holders go into the campaign with no new fresh faces but their strong squad is expected to mount another serious challenge for the title.
Tranent also have a strong looking squad of players for the season ahead but their spirits were dampened with the news Dean Higgins has switched allegiance to Midlothian club Pathhead. EL Co-op will unveil new signing Steven Mackie in tonight’s home clash with West Barns after he completed his transfer switch from Elphinstone.
News from the ‘Barns’ is that both Scott Kennedy and David Sked are unavailable for the forthcoming campaign. 2008 champions East Linton are very enthusiastic about the new season with director of bowls at the club Richard Black very confident his side can repeat there exploits of two seasons ago. Colin Kennedy has rejoined the club while Alan Clydesdale has put pen to paper for another season. East Linton open with an away trip to Division 2 champions Dunbar who will be hoping to make a big splash in the big boys pool but they will require the likes of Dougie Berwick and Tommy Young to produce the goods on a regular basis if they are to keep their heads above water.
Aberlady open their campaign with a home fixture against Castlepark and both clubs have been inactive during the close season transfer window. However, Castlepark have been rocked by the news they will be without the services of James Hogg for the season ahead. Division 1 new boys Winton are idle on the opening week but they look sure to find things tough going in the top league.
Meanwhile East Lothian Under 25 team manager Keith Fender is calling on all clubs to forward on names of players who would like to be considered selection for the forthcoming Scottish Counties Under 25 Championship matches. Names should be submitted to Keith as soon as possible either by phone 07786 110416 or by e-mail keithfender20@btinternet.com
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Wednesday 08 February 2012
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