World Men's Pairs Final Bowls World Indoor Championships

The APPLAUSE Hello everybody and welcome to the

Potters leisure resort on the used coast of England at Hopton on Sea.

Seven days of top-quality bowls, four trophies up for grabs, the

first of those up for grabs this afternoon with the final of the

pairs. It is the big day for Scotland. First up the pairs world

final which is an all tartan affair. Stewart Anderson and Darren Burnett

against good friends Colin Walker and Ronnie Duncan. And then it is

the turn of the defending singles champion Alex Marshall MBA to begin

his quest for a magnificent seventh title. It promises to be an epic

afternoon of entertainment at the home of bowls. -- MBE. We start with

the pairs. They are both former singles winners but now they are

teaming up trying to win this title for the first time together.

It is the home of bowls, Potters. There is no arena like it anywhere

in the world. 1200 people and extras. It does not get any better

than that. It is the first thing I look to come to, it is absolutely

amazing. People who have not been the foremost come and watch. The

spectators are fabulous, win or lose. It is the first event we play

down here, we reached the final before, unfortunately we lost but to

get back into the final it has been a long time coming. I think it is

six years ago we formed as a partnership and we got to the final.

Now we're in the top 16 and we have decided to partner up. This year it

seems to be going well. The world singles is probably the event, we do

not have a lot of chances to play together at this level. To be the

world pairs champion would be wonderful. Colin has been here a few

years now with Ronnie, but think we are playing well enough and we are

forward to it. Standing in their way, Colin Walker and Ronnie Duncan

who had to come through a qualifying event in Falkirk just to get here.

They have caused some shocks including the defeat of Paul Foster

and Alex Marshall in the semifinals. They are bidding to become the first

unseeded pair to win the title since 2004. They have been the best

friends for the first part of two decades. -- for the best part.

Around about 16 years I think we have been friends. It has been a

long partnership. Some good successes and I think you learn from

your mistakes when you have been as long together. I have always led the

partnership and Colin has always skipped. Because we have played with

each other in pairs, triples and fours we know each other's game like

the back of a hand. We are very comfortable playing as a partnership

together. It has been a great run so far and then somebody tells you you

are playing against the Commonwealth Games and world champions. You

cannot get much better than that. These two guys are good friends as

well. I think that makes it even harder to play against these guys

when you are friendly with them. But we dug deep and we got there in the

end. It should be a great game, Stewart and Darren both former

singles champions they have obviously won here before. They are

all so again international colleagues in the Scotland team and

they are friends so it is certainly not going to be any easier than when

we played Alec Sample. It is another one of those things -- Alex and

Paul. We will need to play well. We go in as underdogs so obviously the

crowd likes a good game so it would be nice if the crowd could be on

your side and hopefully we can compete well against them and get

close to them and put them under pressure. And hopefully we can do it

at the end of the day. We have won the Scottish pairs and we are the

current British pairs holders so to add the world indoors pairs title

would be a dream come true. You have met the men competing on the blue

rink this afternoon, one way or another Scotland will be

celebrating. It is time now to say hello to Richard Beck, MC this

afternoon. Yes it is indeed an all Scottish affair and now our first

pair, the reigning British champions, Ronnie Walker and Colin

Duncan. APPLAUSE And now, ladies and in command, will

you please welcome the 2013 finalists, hoping to go one better

today, ladies and gentlemen, your appreciation, please, for Stewart

Anderson and Darren Burnett. Lovely atmosphere inside the

auditorium here at Potters and we have former world champion Andy

Thomson alongside David Corkill in the commentary box. Set for a great

week. HOOTER COMMENTATOR: Sorry about that, bit

of a problem. LAUGHTER I think it will be an interesting

game. Obviously Colin said they are underdogs, however they are playing

well. Taking out Paul Foster and Alex Marshall I cannot really see

Ronnie Duncan and Colin being too much of an underdogs. They have

taken out the world champions. I think it is going to be very, very

tight. I agree, David, should be a cracker.

Good steady start for both pairs, that is what they are aiming for.

APPLAUSE All of these players, elite squad

players for the Scottish international team. Ronnie and Colin

are going off to New Zealand very shortly. They will be absent from

the Scottish indoor team which might give the other countries a bit of a

help. As well as Colin and Rowley, Iain Maclean and one or two others

are going to be missing. John prices taking them away. -- John Price is

taking them away. Chance here. There is going to be pressure on Darren,

they could be three shot down. Just struggling for weight. Taking

one away. Chance for Colin, just dropping

short. Spare shot. Jacquelin 29 metres. -- jack length

29 metres. Quite a common feature I think throughout this game. Both

pairs favouring the slightly longer length bull.

Good adjustment that you would expect him to reach the jack and

even pass it. This is pressure, if he gets the ball -- if he gets this

marvel in Colin is under pressure. Good example of what you are doing,

you're trying to lengthen the jack and get up to it. That takes the

front bowls out of play. Nice shot here for Colin on the forehand side.

Good line. It is all about weight, trying to get back to the jack. Well

played. Problematic for Colin, he could take the bowls out but the

jack is likely to move. Certainly not going to be easy to draw red. I

think he is sticking to the draw. He had the choice to drive. -- to draw

it. I do not think he is there. Just needed another two feet mat. -- on

that. Definite spare a chance opportunity, last bowl of the end,

no reply if you pop one in. These are the ones that add up throughout

a game. Not quite. Both missed chances. Both

pairs will be happy with this, good start. Both on the board. Especially

over 11 ends, two sets, more than enough to separate the two pairs but

of course we have three and tie-break -- three end tie-break if

required, so potential 25 ends. Not many spare seats, David. It is very

popular, the pairs events. That is very uncharacteristic of

Stewart Anderson. Very much so. Normally very consistent on the

jack. If he misses one he is normally making the adjustment. Just

took too much off, you expect Ronnie to add another here. Just struggles

to get back to centre rink although this is looking pretty good. Always

useful there. Darren slightly prefers a backhand in this

direction. Trying to get a good second bowl in. He has a strong bias

bowl. I do not think he is on this one. Oh

dear. What is happening here, three shortfalls? Shaking his head, this

is a bad end from them. Big chance for Colin. He is calling it past the

front one, it is definitely in. There is nothing behind the head.

Running bowl. Forehand draw. There is room.

That is a great bowl from Darren Burnett. Darren is three or four

inches off. He was looking to cut down the count. Getting shot is an

extra bonus. However the position is all about Ronnie and Colin has a

good chance of running through this head. Absolutely, with weight, to

clean it out for free. Looks like he is under. Did not get the lucky rub.

That was an escape. Good goal by Darryl -- Darren Burnett. Shows the

difficulty of playing those running bowls. Those are the bowls you do

not want to get sucked into that you have to play them. That control

weight, trying to get through on to the jack.

Favourite length for Darren and Stewart, 29.5. They tend to playful

lengths most games. -- they tend to play full lengths will stop that is

Colin Walker was a son Cian and his wife Morag. Julie Forrest in the

background. Julie in her first time out Potters. They have played well

in the mixed pairs. It should be a good final tomorrow.

Certainly looking better. Well played, Stewart Anderson.

Slightly better heads coming in this direction. Players getting bowls

close. On the forehand which is unusual this way, most players in

this event play on the backhand. This is four of the best players in

Scotland, indoor and outdoor. Darren Burnett and Stewart Anderson worked

in Cyprus just before Christmas. For two and a half weeks, making sure

their team qualified for the World Championships in Christchurch in

December. I believe Darren and Stewart got the gold medal in the

triples. Suitably successful. Along with Neil Speirs.

Colin is having a look. He must have this. APPLAUSE

Great bowl. The trail short, quite a difficult

shot normally on the carpet and Colin played well. I think with this

distance you have more of a chance of making those kind of trail shots.

This gives you a little bit better chance, the longer length. Just a

draw here for Darren, trying to draw the winner.

I think he has missed his line. Two opportunities here for Colin to draw

another one. If his little bit widely could ease the green bowl

away and make three out of it. I thought it was just the one. He can

draw for three. Certainly put this on wide. Does not

want to push the green bowling for second bowl. If he comes around it

he'll be good but you don't want to touch it. Stop an inch short.

Go on, finish this. Right up. Very good. APPLAUSE

Great reply from Stewart Anderson. Two of the best leads around the

British Isles, indoor and outdoor. No doubt about that, Stewart as you

say in the elite squad, I am sure he will probably be selected in the

final five for New Zealand at the end of this year. However Stewart

does skip for Scotland. Greatly. Very, very small gap. Two options.

Much safer shot. I agree, I think he said there was a small gap that if

he does touch if it will move into the red. He wants to slip the short

one. He has not posted to overthrow no damage done. Another third or so

and I think that is why Darren have the option to play the forehand. He

knew the weight and the line and on the back and they have been dropping

short. You can hear Ronnie saying all you need is a foot of running

and the jack should spring to the back red one.

He has green it. It is a matter of weight whether he has enough to do

the damage. Very good bowl. It is one of those ones where you just

want to get the thin edge and he hit it absolutely plumb Centre bowl.

Colin shaking his head, he knew he was slightly heavy. It was a good

bowl of just a yard over. Not sure about this one. Mostly

because of his line. He needs to this Darren's last bowl. That is a

chance. I would expect Darren to add another. He has had two pops at it.

He is safe as houses. Colin Walker just a bit unlucky hitting that two

solid. I think Darren and Stewart did have

a chat thereabout the jack length. The final conclusion was, let's keep

it long again. No reason not to. As the game progresses one of the

players might think about a change. They are both currently happy on the

full length. Great line. The line was absolutely

perfect. Though short. Yes, anything after his own bowl or

beyond will be good. Just dipping into it. The thing is it is a good

ball at this level against these guys. He probably wanted it just

slightly further, as you say it is 14 inches short, it is a good bowl.

His line is good, it is all about pace. He still needs to hurry. Yes,

he has made it. That is what you would expect. Walker. Walking down,

the inform man, he has told me he is not the manager, he is a four-man.

They will properly be watching, will we tell them about the interviews

and make up that being done. A particularly tidy shade of eyeliner.

You know all about that David. The guys will be giving him a hard time

when he gets back. Once again I think that Darren Burnett is very

close to drawing the winner here. He falls in and he has got the shot.

Yes, that is the winner. He is playing well. He has been playing

well for the last week or so in different events. Also in the mixed

pairs final as well. Two finals, and he is still going in the single.

This is Greg Harlow to play in the singles, I think that will be a

really good game. That is a tough one. Better. Yes he is

acknowledging, I think he has got the shot. Stewart is looking at

possibly taking the two Red Bull is out, you knows how good Darren is

with that weighted ball. Chances here, I cannot really see it going

wrong. The two balls will disappear but it is just how many green ones

will go at the same time and that is where the difficulty is. They are

one up front, they had to think about whether they are prepared to

attack this with the possibility of losing more than one at this end. I

think they would be lucky to lose more than one, with the strike

however Darren has played such a good opening ball, they might just

stick to the draw. -- opening bowl. I think that is what he's going to

go for, drawing the women are. Yes it is also a factor, too handy, just

one in it. It is not a disaster comedy has got a chance with this if

he runs the distance. It is going to be a lack in pace, run of the line.

Final target. Just needed another 15 inches. Seeing the green bowl at the

bottom of the screen, fresh start, count to all three.

-- two or three. Good weight. Good effort, give it a chance. All things

very tight, ?6, 5-5, five games to go. -- six ends. Five ends to go.

The Jack length is 28 and a half metres. There is not really an awful

lot happening between the two Jack lengths. At some stage of the game,

if it starts to go wrong, they will switch to 23 or 24

metres to make a change. It is a decent start. At both stage they are

both playing quite well at this length so neither is wanting to

change. It has got the right pace now, it

has got the right pace. Ease up, ease up. Yes.

Anything on his last bolt is good. Suggesting it is a bit heavy. He

knew that out of the hand, it is a good sign. Just slightly heavy,

indicated he had maybe pushed this one a little bit. Good smooth

delivery from Stuart Anderson comedy gets the ball away well.

It could be a second. They have got to force it back to the right-hand

side, it is now blocked out. The call-out is very, very close to

the second. Darren gave the comment, I have no

idea. It usually means he is close. It is not a good sign, but not

far-away. That one might just have dropped away. I think that last bolt

has given Colin problems. If there are three in a deal, definitely

coming down with the weight. Ronnie suggesting that the last bolt may

well be in, you are right, he is two all three down. The options, looking

to come through here, if he does make contact on that, even that

bowl, will give him the angle into the jack. If he brings it all of the

way through to hear or beyond. That is good. And of course we have got

the re-spot position which is over this direction. Lots of things

available. I agree, I think it is worth being positive, both of the

green bowls are in the line of the draw, this will be something to play

with. I think that he is still sticking to the draw, this is very

difficult on the way in, he could easily get blocked out here. That is

a good bowl. That is a great bowl from Colin Walker. It looked as if

he was going to get blocked out, a clear path on side, it looks as

though, he is just inside, it is a winner, well played. One inch away

from losing three there. The problem is reversed for Darren now. He has

got two back balls against him. I would agree, the ball onto the jack

is two or three down. He pushes the red ball onto the jack, varies

trouble. If we are looking at it, we are going to draw, a little touch on

the jack would be very beneficial. The difficulty is, it is these two

balls on the back, that is the issue, they have to be careful that

the jack does not run through. I think that Stewart is indicating,

normally good at these running bowls. Punched the ball through the

gap, if you miss that you might get the jack. He has been very positive,

you don't want the ball onto the jack. He is under, that is

fortunate, I don't think it has cost him anything. The one at the back,

savouring that one. Once again, Ronnie and Colin did

have a little chat. Running the jack. The answer is, keep it long.

Jack length, 29 metres. Come on, all of the way, great lying

there. In the middle, there we come. Good.

This is for one. Still heading up. OK. You like, seven inches. String a

better one. It is interesting seeing these two skies competing against

each other, because the lead position, is on offer for New

Zealand. It certainly is. One player obviously, missing from the team,

from Glasgow. It is a position, that I think that

Ronnie and Stuart are properly buying for, and I think Stewart is

in pole position but I think a lot can happen. It is just a draw here

for Colin Walker. Seven inches short, Stewart Anderson. That is the

target. Trying to beat that bowl. He is indicating that is heavy, he is a

bit quick on that one. Darren playing his favourite backhand in

that direction, he prefers this side of the carpet. Clear run, he scores.

Yes, that is the second. Behind the jack. Rest to get to

number one. With his bowls, it is a good swinging forehand. Ronny giving

this a bit of attention, he needs to stop, I think he is still a bit

quick. Touching the jack. I don't think it has made any difference to

the two. World Darren Burnett, drawing on the forehand, that was an

open forehand. It has got to be a forehand raw, there is no point

giving the shot away, it is a nice open forehand. I know he does prefer

to bat but I think he has got to change here. A chance of a three, it

will be the first treble of the match, a special opportunity. Both

have had chances to add, to make three and they have not added them.

This looks better, like the third shortcoming in. Gentles gently, you

don't want the jack. APPLAUSE Never see the bowls coming in, it

does not want any movement on the jack, just touching it. It still

counts as three. It is the first time there has been

made shot gap between the pair. It is vital that they score this end.

Come on, up here. OK. Really good, it has dropped round, it in this

area, it is really good. A lot of things very good there? Yes I think

that Darren has basically said that he is very happy with this position,

anything behind the jack is good. He is urging this ball on. Is looking

for this want to come in behind the jack. That is what he wanted, as

long as it did not finish jack high. Set your skip up. Add the pressure

to the opposition. We always think that the ninth end is critical. But

Hind, the team cannot really afford to lose the shot. -- behind that,

the team cannot really afford to lose the shot. I agree David, this

is a vital end for that man. They are obviously going to anticipate

what Colin is going to play, he may go for the spot here. Colin Walker

in a bit of trouble. He has gone high, he has gone for

the spot. Darren realises, he is going to have

to attack that, he cannot afford to lose spots. It is covered now. It is

not a big target either for Colin, this is not easy. If you get a big

crunch on the jack you will get a result for its. They are going to

jam the jack against the back ball, in the hope of getting it moved.

Close to this. It needs to come back. He has taken one out, second

best. The value of that green ball being behind the jack, there was no

other damage that was going to be done. You have got the spot there,

it is just a case, kicking it, it is just the same. We can see three red

balls, there. That is the thing with these guys, they are so tactically

aware. They are not going to make mistakes on the shot selection.

Similar fit. Darren says it is a long way to run.

It does not look too bad from here. That looks pretty good. Bend away

now, bend away now. He is really not sure about that one. He was playing

it well. There were a couple of times where he wasn't sure, he

didn't know. Two Green. So that is a big bowl, in

the context of this set, he needs to make a connection. Once again, it is

not easy. Not much of a target. He needs to push on his own bowl to

take the second away, he has got it. It was not far away from the target.

He was getting nothing for being high. A reasonable results, taking

one out. 9-6. -- a reasonable results.

The players at this level will err on the right side to get a

percentage shot, Collingwood would have loved to have scrunched the

jack there,. He was in the target area, but it was not a big target,

it was a single ball, so he did quite well to get a single ball over

that. However, they know that they must score this entry keeper set

going. -- this end to keep the set going. APPLAUSE

Jack is about six inches. Stewart is just likely starting to wind the

Leeds battle. That was a good ball. -- win the leader's battle. That is

going to be good. Once again. Starting to dominate the front-end.

Just over it. Yes Colin has faced a couple of difficult heads, and has

had a very difficult draw earlier in the set. The same with the free.

Well, Darren and Stewart thinking about this, I don't think Darren

needs to go anywhere near this. They have got a very good shot. It is

just leaving a shoulder. The advantage of the backhand is that

you can get into the red ball, dropping down, going past the Red

Bull, two or three different options there. -- Red Bull.

Stewart is asking for a shop there. You get paid extra. LAUGHTER

. No he doesn't. Believe me. He is taking the forehand side, spinning

the jack in this direction. That is a good enough call, he will just be

staying away from the head. Let Colin do all of the damage. It was a

good cover ball, it does not cover the re-spot position. This is hard.

That is hard, Ronnie. He is almost done, asking for a bit of yard. Yes,

I think he is trying to develop something with the first bowl. He is

trying to develop something for your next, almost a two bold type shot

here. Building their head up, if he builds up a yard on this, he will

never get it back. That was the wrong choice of shot, that was never

going to go back. Just holding off all of the time. I don't think that

is going to re-spot either. We see Stewart Anderson's foot, looking as

if it is the best spot for the ball now. What

he is looking at is the re-spot position, varies one there, and one

there. If the jack goes, who is going to line the shot? It is

difficult to tell but it looks like green on one side and read to the

other. I think he has got it covered the other side now. Leaving the head

alone, not trying to win the set on this end. Happy to be four up

playing the final end. Trying to encourage this one, it looks good.

You cannot see the re-spot, that is from six inches. There is a murmur

in the crowd but it deserved a digital bit of a clap I think. It is

a tough one. They are hard. Well Colin, this is difficult, I think

this is almost a draw, I don't see how he could score any other. He is

certainly on a different line, this one. He is playing with weight, this

is so difficult. He just needs to hold on to get to the jack. He is

not going to make it. Just underneath. The draw wasn't

far-away. On that little run now of 311, almost guaranteeing the set.

Slightly underneath, probably only one inch or two inches on the line

would have helped that. Start to work, bend and run, bend

and run. It is precisely what you want, from your lead, when you are

up. The peril of them are playing well now. A change of tactics from

Ronnie and Colin. It is going to be hard to get four. -- the pair of

them are playing well now. APPLAUSE That is a super

Darren, more or less saying to Stewart, just pack the head, make it

difficult. Come on, run, come to Stewart, run-on Stewart, run-on

Stewart. , That is very good, changing on the backhand, and the

wrong thing about this, you can see through the rings, that they are

very close, you just cannot afford to be short with this bowl.

Who needs to hurry to get past the green ones. Well, that is almost the

four gone. He realises that. It is amazing, you put good bowl down

there may ten inches away and one is two inches away and it is just not

enough. Especially when you need a four. I suspect Darren will just be

reaching through. Any deep hole will be good. -- deep bowl.

I think he is happy with this. The Cluxton awkward.

He is asking for another one. -- this looks awkward. A little flicker

of the lights in the arena. Colin, did that happen before you played?

This is really good sportsmanship. What Darren is asking, if that

little flicker of light happened during delivery. He is going to ask

him to replay the bowl, that is the opposition doing that. APPLAUSE

That is tremendous stuff. Normally those sorts of things are

the responsibility of the official both the players can take over. That

was excellent stuff. Colin was four or five feet away without one. --

with that one. Just hope it does not cost him the match! Exactly. He is

in the area. Wrong side. That is not going to make any difference.

Even in that position, it is interesting when something like that

happens under player comes in and wants to get it sorted. The game is

more important. Darren has always been a very good sportsman. He plays

the game well. He is happy enough to be around the

area and beat the other red bowl. This is going to be hit and hope. I

think so. As you say, sometimes players just hit the target and you

never know, but I just do not see a four. I think: shaking his head,

what is the point? A Nice to get onto his own bowl and

spit into the two reds and hope the jack moves through and even then the

front wing still wins. Of basically impossible. -- the front green still

wins. Practice shot. Through the gap. In this sort of happen. No

doubt they have been of the better pair.

10-7 probably reflect the match. That three was the key end. That put

them in a strong position for the first set.

Just needs to dip in now. That is handy. Pressure here on Darren. It

looks more of a forehand shot that Darren prefers his backhand in this

direction. If he draws on the back and then

misses the Jackie could get to the back bowl and make second shot.

Stick to the hound you prefer. -- if he misses the jack he could get to

the back bowl. Strong bias bowl, just needs the weight. Great try. I

think he might have made it according to Stewart Anderson. One

red. Just needed one more inch. Move the jack, Colin. Although he

has taken it away there is still a shot on for Darren and he looks

disappointed. Maybe just a little bit too far, bringing the back green

one into play. Just a back can draw. He has put the pressure on down. --

backhand draw. What an effort. Just did not get down in time. Really

good effort. So close to just tucking the jack away. Chance to

open 43. -- for a three. It needs to stop. Well. Chance of a

spare. I think they will admit it is time for a change. Quite rightly,

changing the length of the jack. 27 metres, nothing from 23 metres to 27

metres. Definite change needed. I would always expect Stewart and

Darren to play full lengths but quite rightly so, Colin, and Ronnie,

they realise they need to change. That is a good start. That is

exactly what you want. Probably 23 metre jack length. Just over the

minimum. As you say, Stewart will correct

with the next bit in the meantime Ronnie is there. Two great goals.

Trying to get Stewart to hit this. I think that is what Darren is

thinking about. Stewart is a good driver. He has skipped for the

Scottish international team and he played all the shots. Just a case

of, do you widen the target or do you go early? The harder shot. This

is not going to be easy. Play the running bowl but try to stay on the

green. I am not sure if that has rarely help. In a way that probably

makes it harder. Kept the bowl on the ring in the back position. That

will cover the T on the restart. Just one bowl target now for Darren,

will probably try to draw a second bowl here. Gone down to the re-spot,

happy enough to leave the two and let's Darren work away at it. Darren

might be tempted to draw this to get a second bowl in. If this covers the

race but there is no value in the jack going off the ring. I think it

is just a draw, there is room on the backhand side to get a second.

Getting shot would probably be difficult. He is trying to draw

second. Good tactical battle this. Study. Very close to shot. Very good

bowl. Still one Scarlets. -- Colin going for position. That is

a good spot. Darren will not do anything other than just draw this

because I cannot see this being any worse off but there is always the

possibility of the jack locking in somewhere on the Red Bulls if he

plays through it. If he attacks this I'm sure they would be more than one

down so it is just a draw. Having a chat about it. There is no value in

hitting this at all. Suggesting maybe he is going to run

out this. If he gets the angle absolutely right he could get the

two reds but you are down two millimetres to do that. That went

the is playing the runner. Now. I don't believe it. He has got the

shot. He definitely was not playing for mass side. -- for that side. It

was a great strike. It was the bowl he wanted but how on earth did he

get the edge of the jack. He has no idea. Put it down in the area and it

just worked out. Colin acknowledges it, he says he did not expect it

over there. However, good strike. When you do start to think to

yourself, is it going to be my day? The first goal was just an inch away

and then he sticks the jack which did not look possible. -- snicks.

Back to the favoured 29.5 metres. Well played, Ronnie has certainly

picked his game up at the start of this set.

Certainly looks better weight. Rock-solid. More bowls staying

upright this year than ever before. The question whether that should be,

the carpet of its lower. That is usually what is involved. But none

of the hand severally got the big swing and did we are used to. But

the carpet is playing well. It is playing very well. Some of the

bowling has been fantastic. Sometimes it happens when it is a

little bit slower. Makes it a more level playing field. Click on the

fingers suggesting he is a bit heavy. That is not bad.

Just struggling to get back there. Once you go high they just want

comeback which is why Darren prefers the backhand. That and they just

won't come back. Basically he's giving him choice of

shot. I think he might come and have a look. Basically he is saying you

can afford to be reaching the head. He is saying if you get into that

then the jack will probably go through at least two there which

brings in the red bowl. Or he has the draw round the corner. It is

down to how Colin feels. Just coming in on the high side. If he falls

back he makes the two, if he touches the Jackie makes the two. The basic

percentage is probably for the heavier bowl. The draw is maybe too

accurate. He would have to hit the green bowl onto the jack and if he

hit the inside of it this could go to the re-spot. Through the head,

quite right. He is just on the edge for the front green bowl. It just

looked at tiny the Thunder. -- it just looked a tiny bit under. You

just want to keep this set nice and tight for the first few ends. In the

last set there was any one end that was a problem, when they lost the

three but other than that it was tight all the way. Both sets have

started tight. Darian Stewart have basically got stronger. They will be

looking for the same as the set progresses.

Just not good enough, ridiculous. Must improve! This is a bit high. He

has been playing some very good bowls, forehand. Stewart will be

trying to beat his opening delivery. He picks the line perfectly every

time. Trying to just fade past the jack if

he can. On the high side. It is going to be in the count. That is

good. This is not easy again for Colin. He is being asked a lot of

questions. This is not easy. I wonder if he could have played on

the forehand to try to bounce the jack out. He has played this pretty

well. APPLAUSE Wonderful delivery. That was a bit

special. Certainly was, Ronnie acknowledging that. Not quite sure

who is in line but it is a great bowl stop -- who is lying, but it is

a great bowl. Something not right about this one.

If you're going to play it it has to be on the forehand. I get the

impression the way he plays that it was most likely were lining. I don't

think so, if Colin is lying here they will basically leave it alone

and take the one. It is so difficult to add another. There is another

shot available but goodness me it is risky. The way here's looking at it,

the only other shot is coming in there but if he really wanted to

take a risk to try to get the jack back into that position to be worth

two or three, that is a massively risky shot. I think at this stage of

the set I would just keep this tight. One either way. It is

favouring reds so I do not think he will be too ambitious with this

bowl. Certainly reaching. He has moved the red bowl and think it has

probably moved it away. I think it might have cost them the shot. That

was the danger of going near the head. I think that has moved the red

bowl away a little bit. Taking the debris away. Yes I think he has

given it away. That could have been costly. I am with you, I did not

think it was really necessary. You can have changed the length, keep

the momentum. The jack was more important than anything. I think it

was. Just touched it, not by much, but small margins.

Swing away and run, very good. The lives of millions if it is falling

down. It has gone, that makes a big difference. It has also narrowed the

target considerably. It makes it harder once again for Ronnie and

Colin. Of just the few small little things have made a difference. In

the last end Colin gave it away, very unlucky that bowl falls down.

It is not much really, it has just been that rub of the green. Yes. The

pressure is on Colin. It gets harder and harder as the game progresses.

Darren on his favourite backhand in this direction. It looks close. Very

close. Just wants to finish in front. That is good. I think Darren

and Stewart are actually manufacturing almost their own luck

in this game by playing really, really good bowls. You can see

Darren's bowl coming in, finishing six inches short. Once again forcing

Colin to play the perfect bowl here. Has been slightly heavy on this

side. And another back bowl. I think Darren will go round behind this

just in case. Go deep. You are lying very, very well at the moment in the

head, two good shots. Certainly no need to make it any bigger. I would

agree, David, this will be a yard through the head. This is tough for

Colin. Jack high so a bit of an error. He realises that could be an

error. Now, Colin, how easy is this to trail the jack four or five feet?

That is a really tough shots, to get there and what he into this position

and that I thought he was putting his balls

even if it if run he misses with then you

would expect Stewart It is an easy game if he keeps doing

this. If Darren manages to trail the jack,

close all in here again, the pressure really building up on

Colin. This one dipping back. I do not

think he will even attempt to draw this. Go right through that, mate.

He is close. He has not got anything on the rink. What was I saying about

things going wrong? He was not far-away with the strike. Just go

slightly under. Oh dear. The latter, Colin, it was bad enough just to

miss the target but to take your own two out leaves you know options

whatsoever. Even you would David. It is certainly for, how close it

get? Should be encouraging this. He wants this one right up. The thing

is you can't destroy the end so he has to to. Simple as that. Any drive

that he would have played would have gone off the rink. This would be a

miracle recovery. Colonise this would be a good one. --: nose.

I always think there is key moments in every game in the second set,

that key moments was not touching the red ball enough. And things

really have gone wrong since then. They really have and all of a sudden

Stewart has gone tide began and made it hard and at the moment 8-2, a

great position to be in and they have the draw as well so six or

seven up. He wants to clear it. Just dropped

off. Leaves Ronnie an opportunity to rest the ball and return the jack.

Has a chance here. A reasonable white target, you expect him to get

close. Pics a jack up perfect, well played. Colin realise that with a

big smile, it was a good ball but he knows it was unlucky. Don't fall

over, things are tough enough. Darren Burnett is such a good

striker. I would expect him to hit it. It looks in fighting on the back

panel. There is only one problem. Because he is six up. You could try

to give two shots away that they are hard to beat on the draw and his

natural game would be to hit this on the back so I can sit soft this. --

of this. I think he has them both. And he's

right it as well. Two feet, that will not be easy to beat. That is

what Colin was smiling about when Ronnie pulled the jack over, it's

just framed the jack. He hit a high percentage does Darren with the

running boards, doesn't miss many. Many people have been on the wrong

side of that with Darren. Not easy for Karin trying to draw the short

ball. --:. Super-short that is. Under a lot of pressure again.

Ronnie played to brilliant balls and suddenly one bowl later the pressure

was back on. Just a draw here for Darren, one down is not a disaster.

Interesting hand signals there, I wonder is he thinking about a

running ball after the drive. It'll be hard to make a double. The second

bowl was OK here. The line is good enough. Should come

out in again, here it comes. Yes it could be. It is on the wider side,

the red is straight to the jack and there is that drop-down into the

ditch. That is a very good second. He was happy with a good second, not

easy for: to add another. You almost feel he has to score to hear --

Colin. There are not making any mistakes. They have been solid,

really good. Try to miss the green ball the same sort of weight. On the

inside would be good. APPLAUSE

Just lacking a little bit although Ronnie was calling it. One shot

Darren and Walker -- Duncan. The last time we had a real shot end,

Ronnie had to on top of the Jackson he will be hoping for the same

again. -- Jack so he will. Stewart Anderson waving at the bowl

to get it back, he has been so good picking out the line and length with

his forehand, the line does change whenever you are short on the jack.

In theory it doesn't. The jack should be the same line. Slow down,

take your time. Get another close ball.

Two loose ones from Stuart. -- Stewart. I think it would add a good

shot in here, at some pressure on Darren.

Just needs to hurry a little bit to make up for the extra one. There it

is. Well that short jack has certainly

made a difference. It certainly has, Colin just has to add another one

here I feel. I would be looking to add another here, at the pressure on

to Darren. -- at. Not a big target really. Yes he is

looking to score and thinking if he goes big and covers it Darren will

think to himself, even if I hit it I will be one down. I would be trying

to put pressure on the opposition. If Darren is four down there is more

pressure, I would go to try and live for. -- lie four.. This is number

four. Well done. Gently gently, don't bring it out. That is very

very good. Just settled in in time, that is fine, the front bowl still

covers it and I don't think there are any options to go with a single

bold targets. We will have to see it here.

At best he might get third. If he does get in and there is a chance to

take a couple away, there is always the chance to get the jack out that

side. It doesn't matter which way he wants to play it to be truthful with

you but he can still draw it in their hope to get the second shot.

The forehand is still available. It won't make any difference except now

the jack is going all the way back into this position. That brings the

other two bowls into play. You start looking at a green ball here, yes

that is what they are looking at. The key bowls. They are the two

green ones but he has to make the contact. You almost feel if he hits

this he has won this. Depends if the ball goes with it of course because

it is a touch. Drop. That was a perfect results. If

he had got a solid the bowl would have gone with the jack but he got

the edge and the red bowl did not go anywhere. I thought he was on the

high side and would rob the green. Catches the red perfect. That is a

matchwinner. Absolutely. That is the sort of bold you go down with the

microphone and say you'll hit a fraction. Eight times out of ten the

front bowl would have gone through. Just got that absolutely perfect, he

has been grated a Darren Burnett. -- great today. He certainly will be

hard to beat in the other competitions if he keeps the

standard going. One shot here and it is all over.

That is a pretty good front one. Even harder now for Colin and

Ronnie. Swing for home. That's OK. The cover bowl is going in. The two

guys know that even happy enough to lose this. Good effort, just

dropping off although it sets up a plan to move the green ball. The

last time was cruel in some ways, line four shots and then lose a

double, going for a potential 8-7 to then losing the match. That is

what's happened, no doubt that is a matchwinner. His confidence is so

high here. I don't know if he wants to go anywhere near it, he would

like to lock it in probably. He needs another one in here.

Good bowl. The forehand... An important running ball for Colin.

Once again nothing but perfection from Colin. He gets in, will take

one away. Their jack has moved and that will not help. They will almost

be certainly shaking hands. He is shaking his head, he has realised

the pressure has built and built. Very little has gone right and

everything has gone for the guys. Having said that they make their own

luck in many ways and every single bowl down there has been close to

the target. I agree. They have played a perfect pairs game. Colin

has bowled well and Darren has backed it up.

That is a championship lie. He has to drive the jack. Go for the jack

Moates. Quite right. Not easy once again.

He is in the area. Now where is that going. He could actually get a shot

out of this. He's actually got two out of that. Unbelievable. Time he

got a little break and he got at that time. Bang on target. We don't

see that happen too often. That was a great strike. A good bit of

fortune to follow. Here is a drive. Bang on the target.

Easy now. Easy now. Good enough. Realistically three shots needed.

That is the only way they can extend it, they would love to do that. Five

down as you say, they need a two. A three to have any sort of realistic

chance in this match. Having scored a three in this match

so far, he lost a couple. A loose end from Stuart. -- Stewart. I

expect: to draw the winner here. Well played Colin. The boys watching

back at the sawmill, I'm sure they are very busy, I'm sure there will

be a television on in the background. He will be looking to

get back for a rest. It has been hard work this afternoon it really

has. That is a good ball it's really is. If he doesn't get back to the

jack then it is all over, they will be shaking hands. This looks a

little bit to me. That looks to be over.

APPLAUSE It looks like a very tight game all

the way until the three shot in the first seven, that was the break the

boys needed, Stuart Anderson and Darren Burnett, they have one the

first set but they were looking very strong as they took it 10-6. Without

a doubt the best pair on the day. Both players gave excellent

displays. A great display of pairs play. They created luck by playing

really good bowls. This is how it happened. You can see the two boys

coming out and having a laugh with the guys as well. You can see Colin

Walker just dropping inside again. He was under pressure there, last

bowl to say. Darren Burnett a little turn on the jack and that made the

three he needed. The massive difference in the first set. Colin

Walker was desperately unlucky in this. That was the fourth and second

set when he gave the shot away. Two bowls out, absolutely nothing to

play and barren burn-out, four against and a little edge on them

all. Took a double and more less secured the win. Great reform and

is, they are the world pairs indoor champions and deservedly so. The

Chat show the favourites. The total shot scored, 20-13, the average

length is where Darren Burnett and Stewart Anderson won the match. They

fully deserved to be the pairs champion for 2016. And here I am

with the pairs championship. He'd been to this final before, how good

is it to get over the line? Darren was superb and again, I must give a

big thank you to: because I don't think the score reflected the game.

I thoroughly enjoyed the match and I'm glad we won the pairs together.

The first set in particular as Stewart said, your opponents were

tough to overcome, when you got on top of them did you feel that you

are on your way to the title? Not at all, they are fantastic players and

we had to dig deep and it was a really tight match Stewart says.

Scoreline did not reflect the game. One of the Times could have made it

a different game. Some key moments but one in particular, 8-10 towards

the end and you produce an outstanding drive. We didn't have a

lot song to be honest so I had to hit the target. I expected to still

lose. Those moments key. Stewart you have won the individual title here

as has Darren, is it impossible to compare the two? Not really. To lift

any world title is a great achievement. The run of success, the

Commonwealth Games, the championship, what does this mean

the? Is means a lot, as Stewart says it is all was good to get any title.

It is a dream come true. Commiserations to Colin and runny

but ladies and gentlemen your champions in the pairs 2016

championship Darren Anderson and is due up the debt. -- Stuart Burnett.

Now it is time for the presentations. Europe pre-season but

the presentation party. The Chief Executive Officer and tournament

director, Mr Richard Madison along with the director for strategic

projects, Mr Peter Beverley. And 1st to receive the runners-up

cheque, they played magnificently throughout the tournament. Your

appreciation pleas for Ronnie Duncan and Colin Walker!

APPLAUSE CHEERING

But now to the winners and to receive a glass goblet each, a

cheque and the title for the 2016 world indoor pairs champions...

Darren Burnett and Stuart Anderson! APPLAUSE

Howl about that, ladies and gentlemen? 1 more time, the 2016

world indoor pairs champions, Darren Burnett and Stuart Anderson.

APPLAUSE Fantastic performance from both of

you. Both players still involved in the singles competition and that is

what we will focus on now on BBC Two this afternoon. Let's look at how

the draw is shaping up so far. Alex Marshall will play Gary Kelly, that

is up next. Mark Dawes will take on Jimmy Smith. Stewart Anderson

already through as is the other former champion Mervyn King. Andy

Thomson knocked out, Jamie Chesney defeating Jason Greenslade. The

biggest shock perhaps of the tournament so far... The defeat of

four time champion Paul Foster. Simon Skelton, Jonathan Ross, David

Gourlay, Darren Burnett and Greg Harlow amongst those through to the

last 16. Mickey Brett still to play. We will focus on the match between

Alex Marshall and Gary Kelly. 1st of all, let's talk about Alex Marshall,

had the most decorated player in the game. Now 48 years old, seeded

number 1 in this tournament and he has won the title 6 times, going for

an amazing 7th title. Quite simply the man to beat. To be fair to him,

he is happy to be back on familiar territory. Alex, here we are in

January once again. It must be a place that you look forward to

coming to? Yes, it's a place I love to play bowls. Purely because I have

been very successful. The majority of my titles have been 1 here, I

like the surroundings, the carpet. Yes, I use this as my 2nd home. You

won your 1st title, the world title in 1999, you 1st started coming

here... 2016, today, what is the difference between arriving here now

and then? To be honest, I think it's the same. I do the same homework, I

do the same preparation, everything is always the same. It is something

I don't want to change because I had been so successful. I have my own

little rituals that I do, nobody knows. As soon as I walk in, I do

the same things all the time may yes, just happy to be back. When you

won your 1st world title did you ever have any ambition to win a

certain number? Yes, I did. Obviously, I used to say David

Bryant and all of these guys on the television and I said I would love

to perform in that event. It is hard to qualify, you have to go through

the qualifiers and they did, managed to win them and I got the

opportunity to come here and win the World Championships in 1999. I had 2

chances before that in Preston, I was a bit unlucky. But yes,

obviously, I would love to win it once, but would be a dream country

but winning it 6 times... You could never, ever dream of something like

that, especially with the players involved, so many class players. To

win it 6 times is just amazing. When you play against all of these class

players, every single game you play is hard but I am always focused, I

don't get nervous. Before the game, I am nervous, everyone is but when I

get on the green, I settled down and I don't put pressure on myself. I am

like everyone else, I want to win and I am going to take it a game at

a time. We talk about 7 titles... It is something I would love to do. The

more you get, the better it is. But, yes, it would be a dream come true

to win it for the 7th time. And the man who is tasked with trying to

defeat Alex Marshall in this 1st round is Gary Kelly. Let's find out

more about the 26 -year-old from county Antrim in Northern Ireland.

He has played in this event a couple of times before but the last of his

5 appearances was 5 years ago, got to the 2nd round in 2008 and is also

the winner of a bronze at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi back in

2010. Standing in his way today is the little matter of Alex Marshall!

It is always going to be a difficult challenge for me. Alex Marshall is 1

of the most respected and successful players in the game. But at the end

of the day as the qualifier UART guaranteed to play a seed, there

will never be an easy job but unfortunately I have true Alex

Marshall, the 6 times champion, defending champion and I am the King

for 2. The 1st 2 balls are important, but Alex under pressure,

force him into shots, that is the key. -- looking forward to it. I

unfortunately gain the experience, hopefully I can use that to my

advantage. As you say, my 4th time here, again, more experience, I have

played in more major offence so hopefully, I can produce a good

performance. So, Alex Marshall at about to set off on his quest to win

an amazing 7th title. We can rejoin the commentary team, Greg Harlow

joins David Cork. COMMENTATOR: Gary Kelly arrived last

night from the arrows Championships. A man in great form, a big ask.

Absolutely. I played him a couple of times, great player, probably Alex

Marshall is the 1 you want to avoid in the 1st round. Absolutely, no

doubt. Gary Kelly, really, to 3 days beforehand, still a hard game for

him and yet, last night, has he got the hours put in? I think you would

say the odds are stacked against him but he is an experienced player and

he could pull out a shock, you never know. A big driver and I think you

will get plenty of practice. He is, because I think Alex is in top form.

It will be interesting to see how things go, 1 of those matters, you

say to yourself, what will happen? Well Alex Marshall put the Bulls in

end after end, Gary Kelly trying to get out of trouble, but the thing is

the re- spot. The thing is, if you are a big driver, you need to hit

everyone because as soon as you miss, the opposition covers the

spot. If he gets into his driving game, he cannot afford to miss.

Already in great form. Chances for number 7? I think that there's a

long way off, he has got to win 5 games but he would be 1 of the

favourites. You look at someone like Gary Kelly who hasn't been here for

5 or 6 years, it will be tough but we have had some surprises. 1 or 2

big shocks already in the tournament. In that respect,

probably the pressure will be off Gary and he might even play as if

this is his final and sometimes, it can work in the favour of the

underdog. It will be an interesting match, looking forward to it. From

our point of view, sitting up here, and from your point of view, it is

going to be scary having home, and playing against the top guys. It is

almost better playing the likes of Paul Foster? When you are playing

Alex Marshall, Paul Foster, you know exactly what to expect. You play the

qualifiers, they can play some very different shots and on the day, they

are good enough to pull them off under can cause upsets, as we have

seen. This rink is slightly different because it's a little bit

and it's just a little bit flatter and I think that is really helping

some of the qualifiers coming through. I think it is, a little bit

and the memory banks for all of the seeded players is how the rink has

played over the years and now it play slightly different and you have

to concentrate 100% because if you give it the line you used to, it can

make it 4. Thank you. Now we join Ritchie in the arena.

The player is bidding for a spot in the last 16, Alex Marshall taking on

Gary Kelly, that is up next. Let's say hello to Richard. Thank you, I

1st player has 16 national titles to his credit, he is no slouch on the

green. A former Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, ladies and

gentlemen, Gary Kelly! And now to another finalist in the

international circuit, the defending world indoor singles champion, Alex

Marshall, MBE. Once more, let's head back to the

commentary team, Greg Harlow joins David Corkill. Alex Marshall coming

out to Can You Feel The Force. He says this is his favourite green. He

is looking very comfortable. This will be the last time for

Sandra McLeish to be here, she retires after this season. She is 1

of the balls to officials team. She will be greatly missed. I don't know

how many years she has done but it seems like she has been here as long

as most of the rest of us and what a fantastic job she has done over the

years. Sandra is a much trusted by the players and I think when you

have the trust and respect of the players you know you are doing the

job extremely well. In terms of her bowling career, an international

player, in her own right, very accomplished.

Gary Kelly... Prolific winner of the under 25 titles but I know Gary very

well. My skipping the international team. You must be over 25? Only

just, 26. I could not believe it. I was looking at him and I thought...

26? It is ridiculous! Not much more you can say about Alex

Marshall, he has done it all. His sights are firmly fixed on the

singles now. APPLAUSE

The mixed pairs, of course... But just that tempting 7th world title.

As you say, Greg, a long way to go. A lot of things can happen and a lot

of good players are out there like yourself and others who can win the

singles. I think all the players will say the same, it is literally 1

game at a time, I know that sounds boring and like a cliche but that is

what the players do, 1 game at a time and they progress through the

tournament. That is the case, that is why there are an awful lot of

cancelled flights and various other things with players. They only look

at the next game. Can Alex hold his line? He is just a bit under.

Alex has moved from the traditional that he worked for, the company, the

distribution and he has moved to Errol balls, working for them, using

their bowls. He certainly puts in the hours, the practice, with the

new bowls and he knows exactly what they can do. Disappointed with the

last 1. Yes, not the best of opening ends from Gary and I would be very

surprised if Alex does not rob a 2nd in here. A good start to the game

for him. Plenty of room. Yes, I was just wondering when we

were doing the introduction, if Barry was on the rink, we did not

know if he had even arrived. But he arrived last night! A midnight

feast. -- is Gary. And an hour's practice. It is tough to come here

and expect to do a little bit of practice and take on Alex Marshall.

Yes, I think most of the players like to get here 2 or 3 days early

and put in a fuse sessions on the rink. Unfortunately, Gary did not

arrive until last night. Literally, he has to learn as he plays. He was

committed to playing in the Irish finals and the only finished

yesterday. I think he was on the last flight to

Stansted! Alex starting off, this direction,

the backhand, the hand that most people have been playing.

APPLAUSE Very talented player, Gary Kelly, he

really is. He can draw and he can drive, play all the shots. He builds

up his experience. To know exactly when to play them. And there are

very few people at his age with the experience that he has. Alex knows

that potentially it could be a tough game if he is not in top form. Alex

was not happy with that. He knew he was not there. But that is good. It

is. You are not ever happy with playing a bad bowl. The worrying

sign is when you think it is right and robs short, then you are in

trouble. -- and drops short. Trying again. Just not there. Needed

another foot. A good opportunity for Gary to slide

another 1 in. Put a little bit of early pressure on Alex.

A bit of work to do to get this 1 back. Here it comes. Good, steady,

swinging bowl, very popular in the portable rink.

I think practically all the players use this, Jason has experimented

with others but even Jason uses the tiger. Alex is very close, needs a

drop to win the shot. Not quite, I think. It looked better than that.

Definitely a narrow line from Gary. Waving it in. I think it is more the

weight than anything else. 1 shot, Gary Kelly!

APPLAUSE Definitely on a narrower line than

his other bowls. Some of the crowd just filtering in

after the exciting final and the pairs.

They certainly don't want to miss this match, Alex Marshall always

brings in a crowd, playing against a young qualifier, adds a little bit

of spice to it. Jack length, 28 1/2 metres. Gary Kelly was playing in

Cyprus, as was Alex. He came back with a couple of medals from there.

As did Alex, indeed, came back with a couple of silver medals. But he

really cannot afford to do that! He knew out of the hand that it was not

right. APPLAUSE

Perfect. A good correction. Had to start

thinking about the other side. I think the only option for Gary is

the weight, both look locked on the draw. A very fast driver...

Sticking to the draw. I think I am with you, Greg, played to the re-

spot, hit that 1. I cannot see a lot of value in the shot he has just

laid, to be honest. If he had played out on the other side, I would have

understood it. It will be difficult now. Just 1 down at the moment.

That is to now. That might change things. I think he will hit this

now. Yes, probably looking to get into the split to get the best

result. Depends how much... It is his own bowl that is the problem,

will he get his own and flickered off? Very controlled weight, then he

goes out there, it will struggle but it is coming back. I think that has

gone the wrong side. Yes, he wanted it to go the other side. It would

have been good. As it is, he will be 1 down and I am sure Alex will draw

another. That is a good shot. Under pressure

to play it with that sort of weight, not an easy shot. Drive quicker.

The set score is bowl-macro-1 after 3 ends. -- four.

Jack length, 29 1/2 metres. Both players opting for the long length,

virtually full-length jacks. Well, that starts to go wrong in any

way for Alex, he will move back. APPLAUSE

When you are playing as well as this, you don't need to.

He is looking down on a similar sort of line again, similar weight? That

is good. APPLAUSE

Slide over correction. Not much. -- a slight. Just the wrong side of the

bowl. Alex will not eat going into this match with a game plan but he

will be hoping to restrict Gary 2 singles and pick him up on multiples

because he has had so much extra time on the rink. He should have the

consistency to do just that. Did not look too sure about this 1.

It looks good enough but I am starting to wonder if he has pushed

it, dropping short. Badly dropping short.

Alex Ross another 1. Gary is going to be in a heap of problems with

this last bowl. This is what I feared for him. If he had the odd

loose end he will lose heavily on the shot count. It is as much to do

with not having the opportunity to actually get here and practice.

Whenever they scheduled the Irish championships in the middle of the

World Championships, it does not really help!

I think Gary has decided not to visit the head at all. He has not

visited it once this match. He is struggling. Yes, short, a very loose

3. 3 shots, Alex Marshall! APPLAUSE

Set score, 7- 1 after four ends. Gary has a big drive shot and if he

keeps dropping short he will not be able to use that so he needs to make

sure he is at least up to the jack length. To give himself the

opportunity to drive at Alex's bowls and shake the game up a little bit.

The jack, just hanging on. Jack length, 29 1/2 metres. That is what

you call a maximum. Even the best in the world, when it comes to the jack

rolling, can get it wrong. Scooting over the top of the green, the guys

are saying, for some reason. Seems to be flying over the top a little

bit. I think because the pace of the green is quite slow, the jack seems

to go at its normal rate, you expected to be slow but it isn't. It

seems to glide on a fraction. Right, Gary, need a better opening

bowl. Looking for a little touch on the

jack. Hiding away. Very good. Close, got a chance with it. Great

bowl. Well done. APPLAUSE

2.5 inches. Gary Kelly is a confidence player, when he gets in

the groove, he is difficult to put down. It is just whether he is going

to have the time to do that against somebody of Alex Marshall's stature.

Needs another one in now. If not, I think Alex will be looking for the

takeout. Is it going to stop? He is certainly trying with this. Just

move sit around a little bit. There is a shot on their fat Alex if he

wants to play at, bowl on to bowl, it will take the green one out clean

as a whistle. I can't see the danger in it, he has three balls around,

even if he still takes seconds. It looks to me like he is just

trying to draw it. Clear the front one, that is the

first issue. He was probably two feet short of the target he was

after, that was all. If the score was 2-2 he would have played the

shot 7-1 up. Thinking, if I only dropped one I am still in a

commanding position in this set. The set is still looking good for him.

One shot, Gary Kelly. I expect Gary to shorten the jack length.

This is Gary's favourite place to play, it is an excellent place,

fast. We have pretty much all played their many times, a wonderful

drawing green. That is what Gary likes, the fast greens. Certainly he

will be in the frame for the world championships in Christchurch later

this year. That is a struggle on the over

correction. If you are going to have any chance

against Alex Marshall, you need to get those first two balls in. --

bowls. Good correction here from Alex. On

top. Brilliant. Gary in full concentration, he

really needs a good bowl here. The lie is not bad.

Struggling for weak. That is the problem now, he is going to be in

trouble on the next one -- weight. Well, a vital bowl here. Looks the

best of his four. Is it going to be good enough, is it

going to run? Just going to give up, I think. A good try.

A couple of options here for Alex. He could obviously just draw another

shot, or play up to give it a notch, a couple of opportunities, just

nudge the green out, I think he will probably just draw. He has opted for

the four had, he isn't messing about with a backhand in case it drops in

-- forehand. He is just looking to rattle off the

ends and school singles, he would be very happy to do that. -- school

singles. APPLAUSE

Once again, a nice one for his favourite jack length.

Gary is going to have to try and extend this set as long as humanly

possible, trying to play his way into this match. He is already

playing his practice time in the match, that is never a good idea,

unfortunately he has been forced into that.

It looks a better line in this time for Gary. Going past, the winner,

well played. APPLAUSE

Eight inches. The crowd may not know Gary very well, but we as players

do. We know what he's capable of. And so does Alex Marshall. Alex will

want to keep the pressure on, trying to beat every time, trying to beat

it with the first ball. This is a chance for Gary to get a double.

He wants the double now. That's more like it. He will be tempted with

this. Yes, I think so. There is a shot for Alex, if he

really wants to play it he will go into, you know, if he gets into that

there is a chance of the two bowls going, and that one will go there.

But if he gets the outside one, the red bowl will actually go up the

green. That might lock in. But two against, he is drawing well. Yes,

the thing is that the draws this time were blocked. I think he might

be tempted with the running throw. -- bowl. 8-2 up, I think we will see

a running bowl here. Got the best back as well as there is any jack

movement. Looking for his own red bowl onto

the Greens, can he hold? It shows you how difficult that running bowl

is on the forehand. Just it bowl tight, this is a good chance for

Gary. It will be a whole lot better. Down on an excellent line. It has to

be up to give its chance, it must be reaching. Two shots, Gary Kelly.

APPLAUSE Alex Marshall will be relieved

enough just to lose the double. Thinking to himself now, just one

more shot and that will close out the set. As hard as that is, those

little extra shot there, when you are playing somebody like Alex you

must take advantage. It is easy to get that in, you're looking for a

two and one to get something else in. Two doubles to tie the set, a

hard task. Gary didn't really want that jack up at 29 metres. I reckon

it probably was a couple of metres short of the mat. -- shorter than

that. Not getting his first bowl up here.

Not putting any pressure on with the first delivery. If you are not doing

that, you are going to be in a cube of trouble. -- heap of trouble.

Alex is getting a free run here on the first delivery.

Well, it is in. But definitely beatable. Gary moving onto the

forehand. Ten inches, just over a foot. If you rests the last ball he

will get the shot, but it is moving on the forehand. A little bonus on

the forehand if you get a touch on the jack. Two shots. Four against on

the scoreboard, probably thinks he needs at least a two dissent. He has

got a chance with this. It touches, it makes a double -- two on this

end. He did really well. What a reply. Oh, this is massive.

What a reply. I thought he was drawing the shot. But a good second,

he won't be very happy with that. He certainly will be more than happy in

the last end. Three shots up. A lot of concentration there with

Gary, you can see his eyes moving to the Lyme of where he wants to put

the ball. Just not reaching with this one. A little bit of both, as

they say. I'm sure Alex will be looking just to draw. -- eyes moving

to the life. -- Main. One shot, Gary Kelly.

APPLAUSE At the moment, he is just doing

enough really, just about consistent enough and getting close enough to

have that gap. He is certainly looking strong enough to win the

first set. But he might looking strong enough to win the

up a gear in the second set. Yes, I think both players will be looking

at, obviously Gary knows he has to up his game to win the second set.

But I think he will also want to up it and try and finish the game as

early as he possibly can. So, Gary is just starting to come into the

match, starting to get his drawing pace that little bit nearer, the

first bowl is crucial, he has not been there with his first bowl and

he needs to get that one up. He is close this time, but it is not where

he needs it, he needs two feet on that. He is a very experienced

singles player, he knows that that first bowl is crucial. Especially

when you are looking to score big on the last end. Alex drops just

anywhere between that and the jack, and it is virtually impossible

already to score a big count. Very good.

Juan Burnett bowl in from Alex and that is pretty much set over.

Perfect line -- one good bowl. As a player, you would be looking at

this now, thinking, how can I make three? Sitting here, I'm struggling

to think how he can score three shots. The only chance for Gary is

to get behind the jack and fall back on it, bring that front bowl into

play, I hope he has a chance with the last ball. Three short bowls.

Yes, that is really in trouble now. No way he is making three out of

this. The concern is the look on his face there. He probably thought he

was close. I think with the second and the third bowl he thought his

pace was good. He dropped a good metres short. -- a good meter. This

one should finish it off. Good enough. Driving forehand, take one

ball out and hold is done in for the other one, that is the only chance.

-- stun. Just the way Gary is sitting at this

one, trying to get into that ball, if you move that ball and stones

through want of this one, he has got a chance. But realistically -- is

done through. He is leaving Alex far too much room to play but he has to

try and play it. He does have to try. If he gets the perfect contact

on the red, he could take the three reds way, but it leaves Alex in

awful lot of room to throw one in with his fourth and win the set. It

would be a confidence booster if he could get it, though. If I was him I

would think about driving this pretty hard. It wouldn't do him any

harm to get a bit of a loose nut. -- loosener.

An lucky in some respects, he played it well but didn't get the right

connection -- unlucky. I think the scoreline is just about right,

really, 9-5. Alex wasn't really under an awful lot of pressure. Yes,

I think it reflects the game. I think Alex was quite consistent, he

has done more than enough to win the set. Gary has struggled to get going

a little bit. But I think he has shown signs in the last two or three

ends. Hopefully he can perform a bit better in the second set and we can

have a much tighter match. Yes, it is almost like you was sort of

playing himself into the game -- he was. It had that feel about it. As

opposed to coming on fairly prepared. And he knows that himself.

He knew that he would be late here because of the National is, so... He

was just hoping that he would find it quickly -- the nationals.

There is very little chance of Alex having an off day when it comes to

playing here at this venue. It rarely happens. Very little chance

of having an off day, period, I think. Except when we played the

Welsh international! He didn't really like the venue for some

reason, I don't know why. Yes, that wasn't his best hunting ground. As

soon as it was moved to Blackpool... That was brilliant for Alex, he won

it. He needed to work hard to get

everybody back in the frame again. APPLAUSE

That's better. It is interesting to think of Alex four years ago, he was

ranked number 13 in the world. And he was one match away from

potentially going out of the top 16. But he won that match. The following

season he was number six. The following season four. And now

number three. It shows you sometimes when everybody thinks that you are

rock-solid, think of the number of titles that Alex won in the last

four years, and he was just one match away from really having to or

five. It takes a small run of poor performances or poor results, to be

honest with you. APPLAUSE

Paul Foster was actually the same at one stage. He was on the edge of

going out. It is exactly jack high. Your last one was ten inches.

Alex doesn't look comfortable at this end. Playing, running, looking

for the two green bowls juice but -- to split away. Well, he will take

that. No problem with the result there, he hit the target area. You

give him acknowledgement there, but he wasn't far away from getting what

he was looking for. Gary needs to get something close.

It is big, swinging balls, isn't it? Read on the green spot. I think if

Alex plays his forehand he is going to be very close to the site ditch.

He may choose to go across -- side ditch. Is this about a limit, a foot

inside towards the ditch, that would be about the limit where you have to

play across the head. Of Yearsley, the Jack is a foot outside the spot.

-- obviously. The problem here with the cameraman

moving the boom as Alex was about to play that delivery.

They have reset the shot clock, and no time-out will be applied in that

situation when there is an external destruction. He needs to miss Gary's

bowl to win. Wrong side of it, good weight, perfect weight, but very

hard to pick out the line going across. Good opportunity for Gary to

school two at the end of the second set. I'm not sure he is out there

wide enough. He was right on the top edge corner.

He is out there wide enough, just about.

APPLAUSE When he was standing on the mat on

the inside edge, he was given every opportunity, but he has made the

double. He deserved that, he drew two shot in with his first and

second, that has split the head open. It is two more to the replaced

jack. A great end to that for Gary, it gets him in the match.

He felt he needed to start the second set well. A perfect start for

him. Barry sticking to long jack length,

which has been the favoured length of Alex Marshall -- Gary. This looks

better. APPLAUSE

That's more like it. I don't quite know what the

disturbance was there, but something clearly disturbed Alex.

Gary just missing the opportunity to get close to the red bowl.

Once to get him for a good 2nd. -- want is to get in.

Yes, falling onto a good shoulder. Good chance for Alex to rest. He

will be happy with that. Four inches past.

Lovely, smooth delivery, Alex Marshall, always been the same.

Never had any problems with the bounce or anything like that. Get

the bowl away absolutely perfect. Good end. Maybe just stops that

forehand shot that Gary might have been contemplating. I think so, it

would have been a forehand draw, just the perfect backhand draw

available for him now, I think. APPLAUSE

Good effort. 6 inches away. As you say, Greg, signs of Gary

Kelly coming in, Surrey bowls that are very, very handy. Not much room

for Alex to add a 2nd. When he is on form, he slides these in. Down on a

great road. Just needs to run. Great effort! If he had dropped,

that was a definite... He just touched it down there. 1 shot, Alex

Marshall. APPLAUSE

We all do that, what would have happened if I did this, it makes no

difference to the game. We like the answer, that is all! On another day,

it would have dropped in. APPLAUSE

Very good. The last end, he had a really good 1st bowl in and he has

done it again. Great reply. Come on, Gary!

APPLAUSE Looks like we have got a match on

our hands in the 2nd set. Both players, they have played to perfect

up in bowls. -- perfect opening balls.

It is nearly 2 inches. Not a lot of room to add a 2nd. Might be an idea

to slide hast the jack and get into position. -- slide past the jack.

He did not want to touch that. Well... As you say, Greg, anything

behind, I think you would have been better on the forehand, personally.

I think behind would have been good. Alex may be tempted to try and punch

this through. Yes, a little bit more of a target, as well.

Inside line, with a little bit of weight. Just hanging off. Now, what

is he going to do with the green? Nearly got to the jack Clifford but

he has pushed it into a good place for Gary. Probably the only shop

that Alex has got is the forehand draw, it may be worth trying to

block the forehand draw. Gary Wilson trouble to make another. -- Gary

will struggle. Going deep. Cannot really blame him. That is OK. If

Alex turns the jack Alex will have a shot to punch into it. Quite a

deliberate shot. The forehand draw available for Alex.

I think he is a touch wide on this. Turns back on it.

If I was Gary, I would take the 1 and run.

Yes, there are times to walk away! More than a practice shot, he is

trying to get in but there does not look to be enough room, to be

honest. Safe enough. 1 shot, Gary Kelly!

APPLAUSE They are is Alex's wife, Diane. Give

a wave, go on! She always has a big smile. I have never, ever seen her

not in a good mood. Always been a happy girl!

Jack length, 29 1/2 metres. Always happy, always smiling. Alex is 3- 1

down, under pressure. Diane has a big smile on her face.

Gary falling into that trap again, going long, dropping a yard short.

Alex is looking good. That surprised me.

Got to be further with this 1. Certainly, made a correction.

APPLAUSE We expect Alex to be bad. -- to beat

that. I thought he would, and he has. Just

over a 3rd. An inch and a half... The last time proved it as well, you

have to be within 2 or 3 inches with at least 1 of your bowls. Putting

Alex under pressure. Yes, you don't want to leave it to

the 3rd or 4th bowls-macro. Darryl -- bowl. He looked to add 6 inches

to a foot on the last, he would like to pass the jack, beat the green.

Yes, this would be a big, deep draw at the end. Not sure if that is

going to count or not. Maybe just still 1. Yes, just the 1. Just a

draw for Gary Kelly, either side, does not really matter. Firstly, it

would be the forehand for me because if you touch the bowl on the way in

you are bringing it away from the jack, on the backhand, pushing it

towards the jack. He would have seen the angles. Good judgement.

Playing slightly inside the line this time. Yes, as soon as a player

starts to lean, you get the feeling they are not going to get back, a

better 2nd. APPLAUSE

Yes, I think he would have been happy with a Polish on the bowl onto

the jack. -- with a push. Low percentage shot. I think that is

what he tried but had never looked like getting back. Just an a few

inches in here. For a 2nd shot. The line is good enough. The front plant

would be good. A little wiggle, but not enough. 1 shot, Alex Marshall.

APPLAUSE A tight hold set. The set score, 2-

3 after four ends. Well, Alex looking for the good 1st

bowl. The backhand. And he has got it.

APPLAUSE Well, Gary has been dropping short

with his 1st 1, making sure he was through with the 1st 1. At least,

offer himself an opportunity to get to the head.

That looks under... I cannot see Gary holding that line. It tips

away. Using his strong bias all macro. Did not have to wait, still

underneath the line. He will punish him with this one. Yes, it just

depends for the bowl finishes. Quarter shot is available for Gary.

It is a very good bowl, offers no target. Nothing close for Gary,

either. He will have to run the bowls off, needs a really good draw

shot, still one shot in front in the set. Looks like he is tracking

through a bit. Yes, there it goes. Well... There is a shot on here for

Gary with his next bowl if he is prepared to try it so Alex may be

thinking, I might need a little bit of cover. Yes, he might play the

forehand to try to finish just wide of the head. If he plays this

absolutely perfect he could actually score a third and cover at the same

time. It needs to arrive. Nope. That is not a third shot. I

think... I think Gary needs to make sure he is arriving at this and give

it a little chance. Not too heavy. Well... If I was Gary and think I

would be playing one of his big drives. It is available to him. He

will run out of time. He is using a time out. If he gets one of them and

push is one of his own out, he is three down. If he takes one away,

damage limitation. Looking very straight on the matter. So difficult

with a reaching bowl. Trying that, controlled weight, heavier than I

thought he might play. Just inside. Set score for-macro-3 after five

ends. Judy Potter, in black and white

today. Probably not quite, actually, it is

probably clotted cream. I don't think Judy Dawes normal black and

white. I am sure it will have a fancy name. I will have to get a

list of it, just to be sure! Alex will be looking to get the first

bowl in very close. Keep the pressure on Gary, push towards the

winning line. Missing quite a few short bowls from both players.

We always like to hear about other sportsmen over the years that watch

the game. We have one watching today, great supporter of David

Gourlay. Les Brickley, watching with his wife, Hazel. Played goalkeeper

for Birmingham said! Long before we were born. In the late 40s. Even I

wasn't born then! I wasn't going to say anything. I got in there be for

you. A huge fan of the game, played it for a long time. Les, good luck

to you, I hope you are enjoying this match. A lot of good footballers

over the years have played the game of bowls.

And please contact the world bolster and tell us if you know any, it is

always good. -- bowls tour. The last bowl is 15 inches short of jack

high. Backhand, a little swap? Still plenty of room to add a second.

Looking pretty good. APPLAUSE

A chance at this. Well played. Just left it a little shoulder.

Well... Alex loves the sport hand, he has played some absolutely

brilliant bowls on it in the last week or so and I think a shoulder is

very tempting for him. Jogging after it, normally a sign that he likes

it. Hunting the bowl down. Whether it is going to stay up or not...

Well... Following in against the bias, through the gap. Might have

taken one off. I think it's just one, Gary. The front one. Yes...

Close, but I think... Sandra has got it absolutely right.

Good line, again, from Gary but does he have enough pace? It does not

look like it. I think both of these are good...

They will both declare the shot on they are totally unsure. Alex has

definitely got a good eye on that. I never know with Gary, he just leaves

it to me! Now I am getting more and more

useless at it as time goes on. Different coloured bowls, never

easy. Well... See about the front one...

Not going through. Looks like Sandra got back spot-on. Two shots, Gary

Kelly. That is surprising, I did not think the back one was in body good

call for Gary Kelly. Get the umpiring. -- get the umpire in.

Just the one. I was wondering, but did not look like two to us. I think

what happened... Alan took one out and moved the bowl to get his chucks

out. I am fixing my scorecard yet again! Jack length, 28 metres. Both

players are happy with that. They knew it was one. Yes. We had a very

good view of those measures and you could tell, it just went through. No

problems with the players and that is always good.

APPLAUSE That is a bit of a run for home,

three ends to go, 4-4. Alex moved onto the forehand,

backhand is still available for Gary.

He still could come around it but he might be tempted on the forehand. He

will try it. Yes, any mess is a goodness, inside

or outside his own. -- any mess is a good miss.

Probably had the weight on to turn the ball, rather than draw it

inside. Any correction here from Alex, he

will be bang on the jack. Anything past his own... Well... Still 15 or

18 inches short. He is leaving it open on the

forehand for Alex, I would not let him have another go. Better to drop

in on the forehand. Well... Gary, big drive up the first time, taking

one of his own, he wanted the two front Reds. I am not sure about

that. I think Gary thinks they are a lot closer than they are. Lots of

time outs, he should go up and have a look. Vital end. About 15 inches,

quite close for a shot. Gary could easily have taken his own green out.

He would be better taking a walk up and having a look at this. He has

not visited the head many times and it does not look like he will do it

now. That is the way to play at. Just inside, perfect.

Gary must come and look at the head, surely? Just going to play a draw.

Goodness me. Just playing the draw. He gives another one away. It have

to be reaching. Must be reaching. This is two coming in if he had

said. Hear me! Now then... He gets the green bowl out, he scores three

shots. Great opportunity. Well, there is a definite shot on. Play

the forehand or edge it out on the backhand? The advantage with the

forehand if he plays it... I think the forehand, all the angles are

covered, I think it looks like a good forehand shot. If he plays it,

it is good but if he gets into that, he brings in the other bowls. It

does not look like anything set of the forehand. The backhand is risky,

looks like a good forehand, positive shot. Interesting to see how he

plays this, could draw another one. It would be safer to draw. This

could be a matchwinner. It has that look about it, he is going to play

at. Yes, he is. Can he hold long enough? Can he hold long enough?

There it goes. It just picks like mad. When you are slightly inside,

but a nice weight for the job. One shot, Alex Marshall.

APPLAUSE Definitely worth a go, it was a

matchwinner if he got at. The set scorer is 5-4 after seven ends. Gary

is still in turgid at 5-4. Strange shot. -- Gary is still in touch.

I think he thought the bowls be a lot closer. He has got to win two

ends to get it into a tie-break. Jack length, 28 and a half metres.

APPLAUSE Great opening bowl.

I think Gary has two win these ends. I agree. Would be very happy with

two singles, a good reply. APPLAUSE

Considering Gary was playing over the weekend and out very late, he

has put in a really good fist, given a go at it, no doubt about that.

Very much in this second set, on balance. I think he was deliberately

looking for the back green bowl, to give himself position.

It is just going to be the wrong side, I think. Yes.

Looking to draw the number one shot here.

As I say, he does like this forehand. Brilliant.

APPLAUSE Well, that will change Gary's

thoughts now. The key to this one was getting get