First match here at the Dewars Centre this afternoon in the Co-op Funeralcare Scottish International Open was another England v Scotland battle between Les Gillett and Darren Burnett. Into set one and it seemed as if Gillett was getting the better of Burnett as he opened a 5-3 lead by end 4 but then Burnett struck right back at Gillett taking 5 shots over the next three ends. Pegging level at 6 all on 7 ends Burnett took a single in end 8 but then Gilett found a wonder bowl to whip a single in the 9th to peg the set at 7 all each.
Into the second set and it was Burnett that came out of the block with full determination as he powered past Gillett to take a 7-1 lead by the 7th end. Gillett dug right end as he does and took the next two ends with two doubles with Burnett doing his best to stem the onslought. Leaving Gillett looking to score at least a three on end 7 to give him any hope it was again Burnett that held him off as Gillett scored another two. Gillett was holding two in end 8 but with no chance of getting a four he turned to Burnett and like the true sportsman he is, Gillett shook hands and declared the match to Burnett. When asked why he did this Gillett said,” against a top player like Darren you are just not going to get 2 fours in two ends so I declared the match.” Burnett goes through to play Gourlay in tomorrow’s semi finals.