Bowls: Midlothian's Scottish title hopes ended

The semi-final play at Falkirk did produce an encouraging highlight win for Gaynor Duncan and Stacey McDougall producing an outstanding 22-9 victory over Sharon Leitch and Lorraine Malloy of Balbardie.

The Bathgate duo had the ambition of capturing the title for a third time having etched their names on the coveted silverware in 2006 and 2011 but their 3-2 lead after four ends evaporated as Midlothian scored 2, 1, 3.

Midlothian dropped four singles to 8-6 but answered that danger with a five-end run that powered them into a 17-6 lead then, at 17-9, they clinched their place in the final with a run of 1, 1, 3 to 22.

They faced fellow caps Claire Walker and Margaret Letham of Blantyre who had booked their place with a 20-14 win over Leanne Furye and Caroline Ruxton of Arbroath.

Blantyre dominated the early stages of the final to lead 11-4 after eight ends but a run of 4, 3, 1 moved Midlothian ahead 12-11 then 13-12 after 13 ends.

But Midlothian stayed trapped for five ends during which Blantyre powered ahead 19-13.

With just three ends left to play it was a daunting challenge that faced Midlothian and it proved beyond them in a 20-15 defeat.

Meanwhile, the semi-final stage of the Gents Fours saw the high expectations for the Midlothian rink of Ian Forbes, Ronnie Duncan, Billy Peacock and Colin Walker dashed by an 18-15 defeat from an Aberdeen rink skipped by Kevin Pirie.

Walker and Co opened with an exciting count of 4 on end one but it became evident at 10-11 after 13 ends that there was a match to be won.

And it was Aberdeen that grabbed the initiative with a run of 2, 1, 3, that thrust them firmly into the driving seat at 17-10 and they duly converted into a well-earned victory.

Aberdeen went on to suffer a 20-16 defeat in the final from Mark McGowan, John Paul McParland, Robert Gordon and Robert Grant of Larnarkshire.