The 2018 Masters were contested on 13 and 14 October at Inverleith PC and we were treated to hearty lunches both days (with thanks to the assistance from Ferranti Bowling Club).

The Masters is the culmination of the international qualification series, with places in the Women’s World Championships (Cambodia), Men’s and Veteran’s European Championships (Bulgaria) and the Celtic Challenge (Wales) up for grabs.

As ever, the Masters was very competitive with a high standard on show. Pretty Vacant dealt with the terrible rain on Saturday to finish the 6th round in first place on 5 wins, but there were a few teams snapping at their heels on 4 wins overnight.

Sunday saw much improved weather, even if it was a bit chilly at times. As play wore on, it became clear the title was a two horse race, with Pretty Vacant continuing their strong performance from Saturday, notching up another 4 wins to go into the final round. But Triaxle were too having a strong day and were in the hunt one win behind.

In the final round, 4 of the top 5 places changed as Pretty Vacant were unable to beat the Sex Pisteols, leaving the door open for Triaxle to take the title if they could win without giving up too many points. A comfortable win for Triaxle in the last game saw them crowned champions, a repeat of 2016, on points difference. Pretty Vacant were second. The 3 Bears had a very good weekend to take 3rd place on 8 wins, with the Sex Pisteols recovering from a difficult Saturday to take 4th place on points difference.

Qualifiers as of right for each of the internationals are as follows:

Women’s World Championships – Emma Montgomery
Men’s European Championships – Paul Fletcher & Kevin Johnstone
Veteran’s European Championships – Alec Davie, Gavin Hillson, Mike Watt

The top 4 teams will represent Scotland at next year’s Celtic Challenge in Wales.

Congratulations to all the qualifiers and commiserations to those who missed out.

The final standings are as follows: