This mornings game at the Co-op Funeralcare Scottish International Open pitted Andy Thomson MBE against Stewart Anderson. Last year the two players played here in the quarter finals and it was Anderson that took the plaudits then and moved into the semi finals. Some great bowls from both players in the first set.
Anderson drawing immaculately and Thomson matching him, it was a fortunate bowl from Thomson at the fourth end that gave him a one shot advantage in the set. He then ran ahead into a 6.2 lead and was holding a very close two shots at end seven only to see Anderson draw the perfect bowl with his last to keep his first set hopes alive. Another shot at end eight for Anderson and he was only two behind playing the last end. Fabulous bowling by both players, Anderson holding the shots he needed at one point before Thomson took the jack away for a one shot count and to take the first set 7.4.
End after end the two players battled it out in set two and after end six Thomson held a 5.2 lead. Anderson battled on picking up two ones to take us into the final end with Thomson 5.4 up. An outstanding last bowl of Anderson’s got him four shots and the second set. Tie break time.
The two players battled again. Hit for hit throughout the tie break. Thomson taking the first end but Anderson the second. The final end Anderson drew close and Thomson beat it. Anderson elected to Kill the end but missed. Thomson covered and when the dust settled it was Thomson the World no 8 who takes the place in the quarter finals tomorrow.