9 November, 2017
One of the enticing matches of the quarter final draw of the Co op Funeralcare Scottish International Open 2017 featured Scot Paul Foster MBE and England’s Jamie Chestney. Foster, who bec
ame tournament favourite after Mervyn King saw off the defending Champion Greg Harlow’s challenge, took to the rink in a fine run of form. But Chestney was hunting for back to back WBT event wins, having won the International Open back in March.
Chestney started the first set with his usual flair and led 5.3 after five ends. End six saw Foster pick up three shots with two unbelievable dead draws to within inches of the ditch. End seven and Foster held two until a Chestney runner sat on the closest bowl for shot. The score 6.6. Another strike from the famous arm of Foster cleared every bowl from play at end eight to finish with a no score end so we went into end nine still all square. End nine was going all Chestney’s way until the very final Foster delivery, the perfect weighted draw. First set Foster 7.6.
First end second set and Foster draws shot with his last bowl. A great take out bowl from the Englishman took the second end, and the crowd sensed they were watching two gladiators of the game in fighting mode. End three and Foster held two shots, Chestney draws second in, score 2.1 to Foster. A Chestney runner took the jack in the ditch at end four to give him two. Bowl for bowl the game had the crowd enjoying every bowl and at end five Foster held two only to see Chestney run the jack into the ditch for sh
ot. The score 4.2 to Chestney. Another shot to Chestney and it looked like we be going into a tie break? End seven and Foster took shot. 5.3 to Chestney. A brilliant take out shot at end eight by Foster with his last delivery gave him a three Chestney missed the target with his last and it was Foster who took the lead 6.5 going into the final end. Chestney fought hard at the last end and tried a runner with his last bowl, but it was Foster that took the set 8.5 and took his place in the Semi Final.