Day 3 - Live Bowls: Scottish International Open

The flags of St George and St

Andrews brought together by an act

of union in 1707. Today in Perth the

matches might not be so unified

because we have representatives from

both nations, best of friends off

the rink, but best of enemiesen to.

Hello. A warm welcome to the Dewar's

Centre in Perth. The draw has worked

out with all the match this is

afternoon live here on BBC Two

Scotland, are England against

Scotland. How do you like that? It's

going to be wonderful. The players

are brilliant. They've been

wonderful the way they've got so far

to the second round and the matches

will be brilliant. No doubt about

it. Earlier this morning we had a

match here and it was an all-England

affair. Let's tell you what happened

in that one. Danny Dennison against

Nicky Brett. Dennison had already

got through the first round but

Brett was in no mood to allow

another upset. The winner of

back-to-back titles in 2014 and 15

in Perth Brett took the first set

and got off to a great start in the

second with singles in the first two

ends followed by a double in the

third with this nice draw.

An English international with 35

caps to his name, Dennison won his

tour card at the European Masters in

May this year. He got off the mark

in the next end before putting

himself in pole position in the

fifth with this finely judged shot.

Brett produced a better response to

convert another single and retain

the advantage with four ends left to

play.

And although Dennison grabbed a

double in the next, it wasn't enough

to turn the tide. With Brett taking

the next two ends, with that the

match.

Final score, 8-7, 8-3.

So just confirmation of that result.

David Corkhill has joined us, he

will be in the commentary box this

afternoon. Before the live action

let's talk about something that

happened yesterday. It was

unprecedented scenes, a smashed

jack. It was a result of Paul Foster

playing in his match. Interesting.

Let's talk through this.

The decision and how they came to

it.

It was clear where the jack was

going, it was going to the left into

the side ditch. It would have been

on the respot. Paul was to score

two. Finally the decision was made

to do that because really Mark had

already said, and made it clear,

Paul was going to get two. Different

sets of rules but the reality is

world bowls tour have their own set

of rules as well. They don't

necessarily go to the crystal mark

set and the spirit of the game was

very much in evidence and two shots

was awarded to Paul Foster.

Because

Mark did say in the next end he

would have given two to Paul anyway

to save that happening.

Exactly. It

would have looked a real farce to do

that. But the truth is the guys

handled it and handled it very well,

as did officials. The game moved on.

To be truthful, I think it's time to

put it to bed.

I agree. We had to

chat about it because it's been a

big controversy because it's never

happened before. Let's hope it

doesn't happen this afternoon. We

have some fantastic games.

Particularly the next one. The six

time world champion Alex Marshall

against Les Gillet.

Alex always keen

to do well here but Les is a fierce

competitor and left-hander. His

lines to the jack are slightly

different. I wouldn't be surprised

if it goes down to a tie-break.

It's

all Scotland and England this

afternoon as well which adds extra

spice.

It always does, let's be

truthful about it! More importantly,

for me, it's not just that England

and Scotland, it's the quality of

the players. We really have some

great talent.

David, thank you, we

will let you get back to the

commentary box as we turn our

attention to the first live match.

Alex Marshall and Les Gillet. 2002

was the last time Les picked up a

singles tournament win on the world

bowls tour. A few months ago along

with Jason Greenslede he won the

pairs trophy. He is here in top

form. Ladies and gentlemen, please

give a warm welcome to Les Gillet!

APPLAUSE

His good friend Paul Foster may be

getting closer but in terms of world

indoors singles title no one can

live with Alex Marshall. Six times

he has won it. Who knows how many

more he will pick up over the coming

years with his ability? Will this be

the year he picks up the Scottish

Open title for the first time?

Ladies and gentlemen, please give a

huge Perth welcome to Alex Marshall!

APPLAUSE

Should be a wonderful match. Joining

David in the commentary box is Paul

Mitchell.

Thank you, Dougie. Good afternoon

everyone. This should and cracker to

get us under way.

Les Gillet gets ready with the jack.

He will turn 47 later this month. A

familiar figure here at the Scottish

International Open. Been in this

competition for the 14th time.

Yes, a fresh looking Les Gillet,

certainly has lost a bit of weight

and looking quite fit. He is a very

talented player. He really is. He is

a great drawer to the jack. He can

play the weight shots, he is good at

them. A lot depends, if Alex

Marshall gets out of the blocks

quickly.

A feature of Les game, he steadies

himself, he is not quick. He slow it

is down. We noticed this about 12

months ago. He has slowed down his

time on the mat before he delivers

the bowl.

The gap is two-and-a-half inches.

He is not hanging about.

A little bit of pace.

Interesting

choice of shot that. I didn't expect

that to be honest.

Not with bowl

number two.

Thought he might have

trickled in for a good second to

develop something. Les is just

taking his time, gets to about 22

seconds before he starts to get into

his movement, his delivery.

Alex might be tempted to draw this

one.

Looks like he is going again, yeah,

he is indeed. That's a surprise.

Certainly better with this one. Got

the jack. Yeah. Good contact as

well. Really solid and off to the

side of the rink.

Some controlled

aggression at the start of this

match. I can't remember seeing Alex

Marshall start a first end, all the

years, all the matches, that I have

worked on with Alex Marshall playing

and I can't remember him starting

like

He played that end almost like a

tie-break end.

He wasn't hanging

around.

Setting the stall out. He is

going to be prepared to attack

early.

Left-hander's forehand.

It's harder

to hold the bowl up, there is a hold

just inside the hoardings. And he

has used it well.

Really good delivery where it's

finished.

Alex has a couple of

choices, but safety first perhaps

and first things first, don't lose a

three.

A draw for second.

Has given that an excellent go. Just

going to fall in exactly the same

line.

An interesting opening end.

A couple of unusual things from Alex

Marshall in this tournament, the

time out before the first bowl

yesterday, or Monday. That was of

interest. And there, going with

weighted shots.

Well, two weighted

shots, then he was able to play the

perfect draw. If Les' bowl hadn't

been there that would have been on

the jack, so he is obviously feeling

in good form. Again this 1.00 match

is ideal for the players. They've

got that half hour before to

practise and the rink doesn't change

within five minutes. Just as we come

on air and the players are

introduced. So they're well in

touch.

No connection.

Three-and-a-half

feet.

Alex knows he will get around

that, three-and-a-half feet.

Take a metre off. Even if he drops

in jack-high, just to secure the

shot. He is still going a little

bit.

Goodness me. This is very odd.

Two

green.

Wouldn't be surprised if Les is

going to change to the other side

here. I think he let the second one

go and thought he was closer. A

change of hand.

No change of result, though.

Three

green.

Well, they're not very far

away. But there's still plenty of

room.

18 inches is always handy to have,

but at this level they're very

beatable. This looks better.

APPLAUSE

One red.

Too many chances.

He has to see - what side he wants

to come around.

If he taps his own

bowl down that will be enough. He

can't afford to play anything over

the draw. The jack goes back, and he

is in a heap of trouble. He has

given this a go.

Oh! He needed a clear road. He

definitely had the weight to make

it.

One red.

Backhand draw.

Beautifully done. Two shots.

APPLAUSE

No mistake on the spare there. I

think when you get chances like that

in a match that's going to be so

tight you have to take them.

A good

pick-up by the Scot.

Interesting to see the first

delivery of Les gillet, having had

four bowls short of the head.

Well played.

APPLAUSE

About a quarter of an inch gap.

Yes, three inches short.

That's

perfect, he can use his own bowl to

come off the right angle. Bowl or

jack would be good. Oh! Wow, missed

the line there and it punishes you.

Even Alex Marshall can do that.

That's interesting. Alex Marshall

going up to have a look. Very

different approach from Alex this

time.

I think he is aware if he goes a

bowl wider, might struggle to get

back into the head. So he might

decide to go quicker at this.

Sticking with the draw for now. Got

away very gentle. But it's looking

good. A touch should be enough.

Goodness me! Any touch on that and

the jack was moving.

The red bowl

was ready. Les made a mistake with

his last bowl falling short. Doesn't

want to repeat that.

Wide line.

Not a lot of choice, he

had to go deep. Split the red bowls.

No change to the shot for Alex

Marshall.

This is on the inside. The margins

are so small at that length for that

type of shot. When do you ever see

Alex lose two bowls like that?

They

were identical bowls, so the line

must have been the wrong side and no

more, but see how you are punished

for it.

Almost like a shelf there, a

bowl wider he would have been

perfect, but you have to go

searching for it, it's not an easy

shot.

It's a really good effort.

If he

drops he has a chance.

So one shot out.

Yeah, I think that touch was just

enough to straighten and pass it

before it fell.

Two each in the opening set.

A tight start to the match that we

expected.

APPLAUSE

Both these players will be using

strong bias bowls. Stronger the

bias, the better.

In it comes.

APPLAUSE

Two inches. Your short gap is four

inches.

It's all very precise, four

inches, two-and-a-half. But these

players...

That's what they work to.

Les will know if he play as similar

bowl, just that little bit extra

weight, he can drop back on the

jack.

Just through.

The gap is four inches.

Alex knows

the bowl is five inches wide. So he

is conscious of the fact that he

could give the shot away on the

backhand by dropping back on the

jack. So, playing through on the

forehand, hoping to miss the green

bowl. Interesting. Well, it's a good

protector.

There are a few benefits to be

gained on that hand. Perhaps the

unintended one, but it has worked

and Les is having to give it some

thought. Forces him to the other

side.

It's not there.

Back to the backhand.

It's not carrying either.

Les has to be very precise. That's

the problem he has. Alex just has to

be very careful.

Certainly is reaching this one.

Yeah, another good effort, just over

it.

Alex won't want to use up a time

out. It's a low percentage shot to

add another one. He will try it on

the high side. Try and drop around.

It's coming around. He is giving it

every chance. Going to slip by.

Very

good effort. But again it wasn't a

spare shot opportunity.

APPLAUSE

He gave it a go.

He also played it

in such a way he wasn't going to

risk giving it away.

A shorter length favoured. Alex

Marshall.

APPLAUSE

Lovely smooth action of Alex

Marshall, it's never changed.

APPLAUSE

Around it comes.

The gap is seven inches.

That tells

Les that any touch on his own bowl

would be enough to get the shot back

again. Another player with a

beautifully smooth delivery.

Giving this every chance. Just will

slide past.

With that weight he had

to get his own bowl, if he touched

the jack it would have tucked it

into the red and that would have

been really difficult.

Alex keeping his hand.

He dropped it underneath again.

Seven bowls in this direction, a

shorter jack length, and that's

three that have gone wayward. That's

really not like him. Not an easy

situation, obviously.

But it's not

like him to see them go across so

much. Some light refreshment.

Giving it a chance again, does not

want to touch the Jack the Ripper.

Straight across to Marine again.

Alex aware of the two green bowl's

at the back.

That's very wise. The

problem for Leslie is he has tried

that little touch down and shot

twice, just missed it. Will he go

stronger this time and take the

chance at the two reds you could go

out, which he could, the way they

are sitting at the moment.

Definitely playing it with more

weight, on the inside line, that

will kick away very quickly.

One

shot, Alex Marshall.

APPLAUSE

Surprised to did not play with more

weight.

It's a very tempting shot because

you want to move the jack just a

yard or so but occasionally you have

to be more positive and take a

chance on the two reds going out

instead of going for the perfect

shot. The green bowl onto the jack.

The 17th Scottish International

Open. 12 years since he was in the

final.

Alex Marshall was absolutely

unbelievable the way he was playing

that year his opponent got through

to the final and asked why is he

turning up? He is playing so well, I

will turn up and give him again if I

can. As it turned out, Alex's form

went down slightly, Ian's came up

and he took the title.

Not hanging around this time. We'll

be re-spotted. Stays intact. I think

we are OK with this one. At that

weight there was no chance that

wasn't happening to it. Good strike,

bang on target. Les does play the

shot is very well. He's a very good

shot player and more than bubble --

of wrapping things up.

Some of the

bowling to the re-spot has been

unbelievable.

Once again more

evidence of how close these guys can

get to it.

Just letting the arm flow a little

before he delivers the bowl.

Trying to keep it up as long as

possible before it starts to bend,

playing across his body a little

bit. Just doesn't have the power to

make it, the wine was good. -- the

line was good.

Both players with a bowl to play.

Slightly wider line. Coming back.

APPLAUSE

Perfect.

Side touch as opposed to coming

behind it and bringing the jack

towards the green bowl. Les cannot

afford to drive this because no

guarantee they will not bring in the

short red.

Safety shot.

That was good, because

it gave himself the option to get

the back ball and reduce it to a

single.

Well played from Les

Gillett.

Winning ends, Alex Marshall, but not

getting away. Three up, three to

play in the opening set.

I think he

would have been very happy to take

this at the start of the match. By

the way, Alex, what do you fancy

going out there, six ends played and

you are three up? I think he would

say I will take that every time.

He

would take it.

It's a hard game to

score shots, no doubt about that.

Both players playing very well.

Conversely, Les will not be happy.

You are never happy if you're behind

but losing singles, not been a

threat a massive counted so far.

Keeping a keen eye on this. Again,

it's the weight that is in question.

Slightly longer jack length is

guaranteed to push the ball out of

it wider.

Underline again is what he is

indicating.

Commentators curse.

Laid-back he knew it immediately. I

cannot remember Alex missing a line,

he's a very good line player. He

usually just throws them out and let

them get back in. The margins must

be very tight on this side, if you

get it wrong you are punished. I

think the ways is inside it.

Struggling going away from the

commentary box at the moment. Better

line.

Yeah but he dropped it short.

This is a big bowl for a Les Gillett

in the state of the match.

Slightly

stronger weight, going underneath, a

lot of bowls been lost on the inside

on this side of the road. Something

is not right because the players are

frightened to go outside the line.

That is a fair point. It is not like

they are risking pushing it further

out, playing that tide line.

They

are searching for a hold which is

thusly available by the margins are

very tight and they know if they go

outside and they will not get back.

Which is unusual I have to say.

Technically two ends of the set to

play, but if Alex Marshall

just watching Les Gillett to see if

the movement before each bowl is

identical, little touch on the back,

little touch on the shirt.

It's all

very deliberate, he steadied himself

and get himself ready for the

concentration of the delivery.

Watching David Gurley, he tucks up

the legs of his trousers, always the

same way. It's habitual.

Trying to encourage this one

forward.

Just a quick look at Alex's bowl, he

does not want to tap it. If he

touches the jack it makes a double.

Well played, Les

touches the jack it makes a double.

Well played, Les.

He is puzzled.

We might find out

after the match but there certainly

has been a few things out there

which have been difficult, things

are changing, as they can do, very

quickly. Little touch to make three,

that guarantees it. Good end for Les

and an important time to do it. This

is tricky now. Because he has one

ball relatively close, knows he can

take out two green.

He will have to

take time out here. A problem he has

got is if he hits onto his own bowl,

where the jack is going, back down

to this position, if he wants to

play it that way, the green bowl and

take two out, it is damaged

limitation and gives strong position

going into the last end. But there

is nothing easy about it which is

the problem.

Looks like he's got a bit of extra

weight on the draw.

I understand why he played it. A

really good would have taken his own

bowl out. The running shot was not

very attractive. Big chance now for

Les Gillett. It will be 7-5 as it

stands. He has taken a time-out.

He

knows how important this is.

Looks under. That is a mistake. If

you had offered him three shots

before this end he have taken it.

But he had to be greedy.

It was a

definite spear shot opportunity. Now

he is looking to get something out

of the set where as if he had scored

format he might have been looking to

win the set. Now a draw would be a

fantastic result for him. That's the

difference one bowl can make.

Has been involved in the only tight

set so far in the tournament.

The thing about 9-9 in the second

set is quite often you don't even

play your last bowl in that

situation. You are happy enough to

play for the tide set. He was not

going for it. I quite like tight

sets in the first set because then

you have a one sector shoot out.

Winner takes all.

Looking at this, he doesn't like how

that bowl stopped there. You're

already Dara Khosrowshahi always

taught by the open hand but these

guys are so good they can get past

anything, but he is going with the

open hand.

Two short bowls when you are looking

to pick up the double.

He has found

playing away from the commentary box

problematic in terms of short bowls.

It is still there but no chance of

winning the set.

Needs a really good

bowl year to set up the chance for

getting a draw.

Cannot afford to be behind the red.

Does just enough.

Absolutely. A fine

effort.

Might have taken time out here,

because it's an important bowl.

Trotting down after it. Doesn't

fully happen unless he thinks he's

very close, and he is. Goodness me.

Just did not get enough to take it

with him. Still going to take pretty

good draw here.

Somethings not right. Having said

that... He knew he was slightly

overweight but it might be in two.

Came back better than he thought.

Two green.

It was the weight more

than anything else, knew he was out

on a wide line but I bet he thought

he was half a yard through.

Alex

will take a time-out.

If he plays the way Chuckie might

get the outside green one if he

stands up a little bit and that

would be enough to secure the set.

The other option is to draw the shot

and that's not easy.

Going to disturb something, he needs

a hit. Things tied as things stand,

has he got the green ball out? He

hasn't.

Thought he was a bit low

wide on the delivery and he will be

so disappointed. Wow. Explain that

to me.

To pick up three and then

two, all credit to the Englishman

for the fight back. It is a tide set

and disappointment for Alex

Marshall.

Alex Blair did exactly the

right way, slightly on the high

side, getting back. Just held off

enough to get the outside of the

green and not the inside. Small

margins.

Winner takes all second set.

Can really see how wide Leslie is

pushing the ball out from that

angle.

APPLAUSE

The gap?

Three inches.

Sometimes you

watch it and you see the tide lines

of the southern hemisphere, going

down with more than maybe two or

three feet of width, Alex once again

going early. Nice.

I'll was thought there is more art

to the wide arcs.

Bowls is a game of

being able to push the bowl out it

come back in a wide arc. A lot of

people's opinion, not just mine, but

a lot of people do not like the

straight bowls.

Brilliant from Les

Gillett.

Controversial! No, I must

agree, I really do not like them,

and the fact that these guys play

with big, wide bowls proves the

point. Alex looking from across the

ring, enough weight to punch and

stay or get the jack clean, how

close is he?

Got it! Applauded by

his opponent for that as well.

That

was brilliant.

Les just hours to appreciate it,

nothing you can do about that!

Excellent stuff really good bowling.

So close. People might think you

should not allow the bowl to go into

the ditch like that but it made no

difference because the jack is

gripped in the ditch by plastic

prongs, that is the marker, you

cannot beat it on the draw but the

touch could have gone in. The jack

just cannot come out of the prongs

once it is in there. In a lot of

normal clubs if you let a bowl go

into the ditch and hit a jack it can

move.

For the encore Alex Marshall

trying to draw to the edge of the

ditch.

He has done enough with the

previous one.

Pretty good effort to.

APPLAUSE

My goods in, very steady at that

distance. -- my goodness.

It looks

like he has fallen out with his

bowl, the way he parted from it,

straight to the other side!

And around it comes.

APPLAUSE

Left-hander, of course, you really

can't follow his line.

It's better.

APPLAUSE

He is probably thinking to himself,

I made that look easy! It's anything

but to get the right line. Les has

to be careful here. A draw to the

red one, doesn't want to move the

jack.

That might influence Alex Marshall's

thinking.

Interesting to see if he goes for

this because if he plays another

bowl the same as the last he will

draw it for two, but the forehand

offers up a chance of touching the

jack for four.

That's where he's gone.

He is very

close. He has made the double. Inner

edge and he had the jack.

Two red.

May just have to be the perfect

draw. He is having a look. Will have

to spend a time out.

Time out

called.

Well, the danger is the jack

movement. I think that's where the

problem is. He doesn't want to move

the jack...

He might have to try to draw this.

Yeah, sticking to the draw. Trying

get an edge off his own bowl to come

between the two reds. Needs an edge!

Oh! That's close. Thinner edge would

have guaranteed it but he is close

to the shot anyway.

One shot Alex Marshall.

APPLAUSE

Interesting end that one.

It's been

an interesting battle. Another

single for Alex Marshall.

Lost the first set in the opening

round of the competition. Took the

second and won the tie-break. Some

good bowls in both sets there.

APPLAUSE

APPLAUSE

Again he is trying to encourage it

forward but just dropped away.

Les is looking... Two shots here.

But if he can get a touch on the

jack. Alex knows where the danger

is.

Looking for it to come back. Is he

going to make it? Oh, just. Goodness

me, I thought it was going to drop

the other way.

Certainly could have

caused problems for him.

Needs to run. The line was good

enough for what he wanted.

Just

lacked the energy there.

Gives Alex Marshall a chance to plug

that little gap there.

Off the backhand this time. Will

come around it.

Just didn't make it back. Still a

chance for Les. Anything on his last

bowl to get the shot, any movement

on the jack he makes two, maybe

three.

Not even bothering. Going for the

runner. Solid bowl. He looked to be

very, very close to the front plant

that he was probably after.

It's down to just the one.

Definitely after that front plant he

will move the jack back, but it was

a good effort. It's really, that's

not like Les. Normally he would try

and draw that and turn the jack for

the treble. A good effort, though.

A good start to this second set for

Alex Marshall. Three singles. Lost

four ends of the 12. The first set

tied. He needs the second.

Semifinalist in this event last

season. Trying to find a way into

the quarter-finals. Another good

opening bowl.

APPLAUSE

Has been a quarter-finalist on four

occasions in Scotland, never gone

further than that.

Such a dangerous player.

Just slipped away. Two more inches

would have been enough to hold it

up.

Red bowl definitely shot.

Les will take a time out here.

He is looking to see what way he can

make an adjustment here. Well, his

backhand could come in there. The

front red one, chances are the other

one will go out. Not a lot Back On

Top the backhand for him, ex-- sorry

his forehand. Being a perfect draw.

But I can't see anything else. Only

good thing is he is doing it with

his third bowl. He has one after

this, so if it goes wrong and he

hits it he has a recovery bowl. The

forehand, well, this has to be

absolutely inch-perfect.

He is still watching it. He likes

it. Around it comes. He has a

chance.

APPLAUSE

Well, even if he gets a shot at this

he's been a little unlucky.

Any touch on the jack and he made

three with that one.

Three. Time out

called. Alex has two remaining.

He

asked how many time outs he had, he

was going to take one anyway.

Doesn't matter, I will take it! Five

seconds or something. Again it's a

really difficult shot for Alex.

It's got to be the backhand draw.

Nothing really else there. You know,

the danger is if he holds out and

leaves a catch.

What do we know!

This is

The backhand doesn't offer anything

so he is actually going for the

blocker... Or if he is not he is

trying to draw it on the forehand.

Oh! That would have been outrageous.

Would have been outrageously good! I

thought he was going for the

blocker. I really did.

Also tells us

a lot about the backhand, that he

didn't fancy it there. The hand he

started off on.

That's why I thought

he was going to go for the blocker

because of the drive. He has got the

shot out of it.

Looks like it. The

bowl to the side. It's guarded by

three red bowls.

A bit of fortune

about it, no doubt. I reckon he

believed he could take all three

bowls out with that runner. That's

why I thought Alex was blocking it.

Just felt Les would drive it.

Entertaining stuff.

Nor good end of

bowls. Lots to talk about, lots to

debate. Interesting to see how the

players are reacting.

APPLAUSE

Your bowl is ten inches past jack

high. Alex's bowl is just sat down.

Still one down.

The view not much to

look at when you see two bowls in

line. There is that width of the

bowl as it comes back in, you can

see it bending. Here it comes. Just

over the weight.

On that side ten inches past

jack-high. Ten.

Enough room between the two bowls to

draw it, no doubt about that. If you

are a little bit heavy, and I think

Alex will make sure he is reaching,

you will get a good position bowl.

That's handy there.

Les very co-ordinated today. The

shoes have green bottoms on them, to

go with the green shirt!

Style is

everything. Substance too, in it

comes. It's going to drop a little

bit short. Yeah, there it goes.

Hit

the seem of the carpet as well.

Needed a tad more to take him over.

Again the forehand, ideally, for

Alex Marshall.

This is going to be slightly

overcooked as well.

He is still surprised those bowls

didn't get back so he uses a big

bias bowl. An interesting choice

here for Les, he has the front plant

if he wants to play weight. Yeah,

going for it. He is in the area for

the plant. Oh, just enough. A little

bit unlucky to take his own bowl on

the way through. Solid bowl is worth

a lot more.

One green.

Enough to get the single. But solid

bowl was definitely a lot more

profitable. He could run the jack

through here for four. That's what

he is going for. Jack through for

four. Now will he get back to it

nicely? The jack... Where did the

bend come from?

One shot Les Gillet.

He actually could have clipped that

off to the side, rather than taking

it. Might not have been advantageous

either.

The two players are talking

about that, it got extra whip on it,

it surprised me.

Five ends played,

five shots, all singles all the way,

after a tied first set.

So little to choose between these

two players. The next four ends will

be very, very interesting.

Easy relaxed action of Les Gillet.

APPLAUSE

APPLAUSE

Very close.

Same line, additional weight. Gives

Alex the chance.

That one kicked out as well. Alex

will be bemused to say the least.

Wondering at what point does he

abandon that hand? It's the one most

players have been favouring. But

today it seems to be misbehaving.

Les thinking he can get back better

on this side. It's making centre

rink OK, just over the weight,

that's all.

Does he change to the forehand?

Certainly would be safer. You can

see the trouble with the backhand,

second bowl didn't make any real

move back. But first bowl was pretty

decent. And this certainly looks a

lot better.

A shot coming in.

APPLAUSE

Well, that was a bowl that stopped

the jack going back at the angle

that Les was looking for. He might

decide to try to get the two red

ones here.

Les has one time out

remaining.

It's available to him.

Don't get me wrong, it's not easy,

but if he gets into there he could

take into the other red bowl and

push that one, get into the shot red

bowl. The jack on the respot is good

for red, as well. If he gets the

jack over.

He is playing with a lot less weight

here. This is... Well this is a

really hard shot he is trying to

play. He is trying to play just

inside the red bowl to move the

jack. Didn't have enough weight.

Second shot... Yeah, a shake of the

head. He wanted to be reaching that.

Some conversation between both

players, they know each other well.

Met in the World Championships in

round two in January.

Settling for the one.

One shot Alex Marshall.

APPLAUSE

The singles theme continues.

Both players are chatting, Paul.

That's the thing, obviously they're

discussing the rink and the

difficulties about playing certain

types of shots. Les would have been

probably punching into that earlier

in the set, but it's such a tight

game. If he was looking for second

shot on a draw, he certainly

wouldn't have been playing that

shot. A few strange things going on

out there.

Six years since these players met in

this tournament. Les Gillet, 2011,

dropped the first set, won the

second and won the tie-break. Put

out Alex Marshall in a round one

match.

APPLAUSE

A little bonus dropping back on the

jack, brings the front bowl into

play.

The gap on the shot bowl, four

inches.

This is massive, this end. 7th end

of nine. The player behind on the

score card really needs to score in

this one. Otherwise, he will be

chasing the last two ends. When you

are chasing looking for shots, you

make mistakes.

He is going to run it. That's what

Alex thought would happen.

Got it too. Good hit. It'ser in good

Bang on target but the re-spot was

never going to be in his favour

either side. He has got the last

bowl of the end. Would expect Alex

to get pretty close, the pressure is

on.

Years stalking it. Staring at it.

Satisfied by it.

They can be very

happy with that. Going to have to

try to draw this.

14 seconds on the shot clock, does

not want to waste his final

time-out. Get this away comfortably

enough.

Boosted wide, although starting to

bend now. Very close. Really close.

Super shot.

APPLAUSE

What a ball from Les Gillett.

Terrific set this has been. It's

been intriguing and entertaining.

That is high-quality.

If Les wins

the set and the match that was a key

bowl. Appreciated by Alex Marshall.

Would not have wanted to see it

but...

No... The guys have been

really good out there, appreciating

each other's bowls.

The opening set

tide, winner take all second set.

The only way to guarantee there

won't be a tie-breaker is if

Marshall drops a shot and it goes to

4-4. Then it would be a shoot out,

winner takes all.

That will change Les. Hardly any

point even asking. He asked but I

don't think there was any point,

always going to have to change. He

will move over onto his forehand.

Looks a very good line, doesn't have

the width to carry it?

Oh dear. Not

going to help Alex's shot but...

Alex will use a time-out here.

Got

down to the event as much as

possible.

Is this worth a run?

There is a shot

on the back and for the jack, if he

comes slightly inside he gets his

own bowl or the green one. It's the

sort of shot that can win you

matches, no doubt about that. Cannot

see an awful lot to go wrong. Same

shot on the forehand that he wants

to play it but either way they are

attacking and the alternative is to

draw an top Gear own dome. Two or

three opportunities here, different

options available. If he gets onto

his own bowl arrests the green at

absolute perfect. Just holding off,

got a good back bowl and that is

handy.

If you're Les Gillett do you cover

the back? Because one or two you're

going to the end.

That is where the dangers are. That

is what he was trying to play.

Alex

again will be looking does he want

to get into that bowl, but if you

cannot he will get into the jack.

The other alternative would be to

get round to the green but the jack,

ideally, if he can get the jack back

there he guarantees a double.

Interesting, he will not have a

time-out on the ninth end.

So many

complications to this even the

backhand runner, the forehand run

are not guaranteed either.

Controlled weight on the forehand,

big percentages. Controlled weight.

Keeping anionic. The result coming?

No.

There were so many things she

could've gotten by hitting that

bowl, he just turned his back on it

and thought, goodness me. Any edge

of the jack, bowl on to anything. He

hit what he was looking for.

Just

went straight through.

Lets see the

reaction, goodness me. Put that down

five times you'll probably get

something four times.

Alex Marshall needs to win the end,

it really is that simple. Single for

Alex Marshall and we are looking at

the almost unprecedented two typeset

and the tie-breaker.

It has happened

before but it is such a rare

occasion which is why I think it's

more of a one end shoot out in many

ways. Les really will go for this.

Opening bowl to set the tone.

His wife might be watching, three

girls, I imagine the school, but

they will see their dad playing some

very good bowls again up in Perth.

Very much a family man, Les Gillett.

Very small gap, Alex.

Make decided

to run this.

When you get such a good opening

bowl...

Closing his eyes and trying

to refocus on what he needs to do.

Coming around for the re-spot, you

can see the white dot on your

screen. Very close to it.

Prepared

to have one go.

Really good effort and in a good

place. That's going to be hard to

cover because Les has to get very

close to own bowl.

Turning the jack for two. That's

where the problem is her Les, he

knows he cannot really get that

close to cover the red bowl nothing

he can do if Alex plays this

perfectly. Certainly not the man I

would want to be out there against.

Very close. Want to disturb the

jack.

Obviously thought he was right on

it.

This is where the problem really

is for Les, he's got things covered.

He really wants to be in this

position, but he wants his bowl to

be. The jack on a re-spot, that's

not a particular problem. The other

spots covered as well. Again that is

covered, he knows Alex is going to

play in on the forehand, he changes

to Alex Lees bowl, he will try to

draw in here and move the jack if he

possibly can enter this position.

Let's see what Les Gillett does.

Match in his hands at the moment.

Still only need one shot to get the

tie-break bowl.

It is all are

nothing.

He's trying to get to the

red bowls but trying also, no,

almost there.

You'll like the angle is just not

right. Alex Marshall, over to you.

He has the reputation, quite rightly

so. Six time world champion, can he

find his way out of the hole? He is

watching this one closely.

Trotting

up after it and its holding. It's

just not getting back, almost the

same bowl again. Great effort but

not there.

It is not to be for Alex

Marshall and Les Gillett takes the

scalp of the Scotsman in what was a

cracking match. Alex Marshall and

Les Gillett share the first set, Les

Gillett took the second 6-4, Les

Gillett progresses.

STUDIO:

We expected a tight game and that is

what we got, Alex Marshall sitting

at his game early with his attacking

shots. Able to follow up with

perfect draws as well. Moved nicely

into a 7-2 lead with just two ends

to go and then Les suddenly came

alive, picked up the three. Then

two. Got a drop, 7-7 and onto the

second and Alex Marshall played the

most brilliant bowl in the first end

to put the jack in the ditch. The

standard very high, appreciation

from both players during this match

for their opponents ability and Alex

kept it tight all the way. Once

again getting to a 4-4, just two

ends to go. Les Gillett the perfect

draw. After a drive as well. Once

again he was keeping the pressure on

Alex all the way. In the end the

very difficult shot could not be

played, I think it was maybe

impossible to play that shot, Alex

Marshall is out.

What a tight game

it was.

Enough for the Englishman to take

his place in the Scottish

International Open quarterfinal.

STUDIO: First blood to England this

International Open quarterfinal.

STUDIO: First blood to England this

afternoon, Les Gillett through to

the quarterfinals, great game, well

played.

Yes it was fantastic, me and

Alex always seem to have epic

encounters and I would not say we

both bowled to our full potential,

it was a bit tough at times with

some of the hands but you do what

you can and we got a good

performance.

You certainly did, Alex

it was a great match to watch. Quite

hard for both of you, both seeing

you are struggling with line and

length and the carpet?

Fantastic end

but quite a few loose ones as well,

kicking myself in that first set for

losing it from being where I was.

Two very loose ends but credit

delays he played two very good ends.

I was in control of the second set.

Let's talk about the first set, you

must have been thinking let's get

this over and done with and get off

the second but great to get the

half?

I had consoled myself losing

the first set and relaxed because of

that probably. Just about snuck into

it. I had to bowl some fantastic

stuff just to get the tie out of it,

where it came from I don't know.

One

thing we will show you is the start

of the second set, we thought this

was how

of the second set, we thought this

was how it was going to go, the jack

had been moved and you drew to the

bowl, fantastic shot, you must have

thought this was a cracker?

I played

two good first good bowls, put it in

a great place, I said to Alex it was

a lovely spot Andrea fantastic bowl.

I almost thought perhaps he will

miss one but it wasn't to be, an

absolutely fantastic bowl, could not

have bowled it any better and I

shook his hand because it was so

great.

It was a cracker, did what

you had to do.

great.

It was a cracker, did what

you had to do.

It was fantastic but

it was the only way I could get the

shot, sit and stay run the jack into

the ditch. Great shot to keep me in

the game.

Another one you mentioned

the seventh end of the second set

when you put the jack out to the

side and you were sitting

when you put the jack out to the

side and you were sitting short and

it required a fantastic shot from

Les and that would you delivered.

I

think Alex played two really good

first bowls, all I have is a draw

and I always back myself to get too

close and I could not have got any

better.

And a round of applause for

you as well, the match was

better.

And a round of applause for

you as well, the match was played in

terrific spirit.

It was a fantastic

shot, you have to applaud your

opponent when they do that but the

next again and was a killer, I

thought my last bowl was perfect to

get the result but I took my own

bullet. But the breaks will go

sometime.

Commiserations but Les,

through to the finals, you must be

confident?

It's a great achievement

to beat Alex, one game at a time.

Top opponent next, either Darren or

Rob, I will have a good nights

sleep, I checked out this morning

because I did not have much hope of

staying so I will have to sort that

out as well!

Great to see you both

here playing so well, Les Gillett

through to the quarterfinals!

APPLAUSE

Let's see what that does to the

quarterfinal line-up.

Darren Burnett and Robert Paxton up

next.

Let's turn our attention to the next

match, Darren Burnett against Robert

Paxton.

First-round is always difficult,

first event of the year makes it

extra difficult so I was pleased in

the first round, played well.

I love

coming up here, always do well, I

broke up here. Gives you confidence

and it's nice coming up to be a

Scottish player here.

Last two years

he's quite the rankings and rightly

so so I will have to play well to

beat him. We have played each other

a couple of times and it's 50-50 so

I look forward to it.

Got through

the first game which isn't great,

performance wasn't great but win is

win so that's fine. Just got to

bring the game today.

Everyone is

playing for themselves and there

will always be a bit of that, it's

bout focused on playing your

opponent.

To win any title is

fantastic, so many players about

that can win titles on tour. It's a

game at the time. If you look that

far ahead generally you are in the

car on the way home.

I must say I am

looking forward to this, great

players.

Without a shadow of a

doubt, they are coming up after a

great match as well and that's not

easy.

Absolutely not, that the fact

lies and Alex put that great game,

they will not have known, they will

have been sitting at the back

waiting to do their practice ends,

what a great finish to the last

match.

It was super, and I think

Alex will be sitting up there

thinking that forehand, my goodness,

three times, probably thinking to

himself and not sure this is

possible but he had to play it. I

noticed that the NT said sometimes I

will get a break and he's right,

because quite often he plays against

a player just pulls out the

brilliant bowl to get over the line.

Let's see what happens next, we'll

let you get up to the commentary box

as we turn our attention to the live

match. Nothing but not consistent

recently, an extraordinary four

quarterfinal finishes last season.

The policeman from our boy winning

the single title in 2014. The type

of game which could do serious

damage here this week. Ladies and

gentlemen, please give a very warm

welcome to the current Commonwealth

singles champion, Darren Burnett!

APPLAUSE

Robert Paxton is fond of Perth, the

venue of his first singles title on

tour and he got to the semifinal

here last year. He has all the shots

in his locker and is always a very

tough opponent. Ladies and gentlemen

please give a very warm welcome to

the former Scottish International

Open champion, Robert Paxton!

APPLAUSE

And

COMMENTATOR: Always going to be a

tight game, you know these players

very well, we have to put you on the

line, who's going to win?

Good first

question. I'm going to sit on the

fence! Both of these are world-class

players. Darren one of the best

runners of the game, the draw is

tidy under pressure. I am probably

going to just sneak... Tie-break,

2-1 but I don't know the winner!

CHUCKLES

That was like getting blood out of a

stone! But I am with you on it, I

really am. I am unsure who's going

to win this match but having said

that I think you're right. Paxton is

a great draw, good hitter and a

great draw and was Darren doesn't

have the big drive he does have the

conversions shot which does a lot of

damage.

Lots of damage on all the

stages.

Very small gap, Darren.

Darrin, first bowl. Front touch.

Definitely a great start, you would

take it first time.

They have only

had two practice ends.

Decent reply.

Gap of three and half

inches, Rob is a gap of just over

four inches, your side bowl is a gap

of two inches.

That's a lot of

inches!

A lot more than I used to!

No need to come down and look at it

when you get that sort of

information thrown at you. That's a

handy bowl.

Might go early year,

Paxton. He might indeed, he has the

last bowl of the end.

In the area for something. Jack well

through. Red carries through, going

to rely on a couple.

Paxton will be

pleased with the result, to be fair.

Darren would have liked the red one

to roll another yard.

That's not going to be easy to beat

and cannot really afford to try and

beat it either.

Rob will just be

looking to hit a good second I

think. Certainly will not want to

protect in. -- to put it in.

Per I thought he might have gone a

bit closer than that.

He did take

away the two silly ones.

Is a good

start for the man from Arbroath.

He

got a result out of his first two

bowls there. A world-class start.

Rob gave himself a chance but wasn't

able to take advantage with the last

one.

Any short bowl starters, you know

you're going to be in trouble.

Both

would have liked to have been a

touch closer with this end.

He's not

sure with this one, but we will see.

There have been a few players who

have been very unsure about their

bowls and they haven't been too bad.

He knew that wasn't up, but he is

still two feet away. We have seen it

around this week, I don't know why.

But... People thinking they are

maybe half a yard away and in the

end they are close. This looks

better.

Yes, all the way back...

APPLAUSE

He's really watching this one, so it

must be close.

Always down the right

line, it is.

Automatic changeover

now.

Very hard, from what we can see, to

get off the line with anything more

than a foot.

Anything over pace, it

does not come back.

It seems to be

different this year, I don't know

why, just holding a little bit.

Everybody is using very strong

bowls. I imagine that is what Robert

is doing, the maximum bias.

I

believe he's using his XPs. He has

finished a foot under the line but

not come back to jack I before.

He

can rest the read out, turn the

jack.

Once again, just not making back.

A good solid start for Darren. He'll

be more than happy with 3-0.

It is an interesting time for a lot

of Scottish bowlers, who are trying

to get representation all around the

world and they are up against

Foster, Marshall, Burnett, the key

three in many ways. You can add to

my players to that and you have a

plethora of high-quality Scottish

players to come in two major events,

Stuart Anderson etc. But it must be

very hard when you have those three

players that are ever present.

Scotland are at this point blessed

with probably a dozen players that

could represent them if they played

-- and if they played for another

country, would probably all be

playing in the Commonwealth Games.

I

think so.

Including the manager.

Yes, certainly, David Gourlay is a

high-performance coach. I think he

makes sure they are fully prepared

for everything that they have to

face.

I think he takes care of what

they need, and makes sure they are

prepared right in their own way.

Absolutely. Now, can he sneak round

this Green ball? A little touch on

the jack would be a bonus. That is

good.

He seems to like this one.

Well, he

has every right to. It is not that

far away. Second shot.

It's a tough audience out there,

isn't it? Is not a lot of clapping

going on. It started like a house on

fire and no one has really made a

murmur yet.

Seven inches away from

the jack and...

That engrossed, I

think.

They probably are, but you go

to some other tournaments, and they

are almost taking the rafters off

with bowls of this quality.

You are

probably right - probably a tough

audience. They are used to bowl macs

on the jack -- balls on the jack all

the time.

I'm surprised he still went up

again.

I thought he made have played

beforehand to touch the red ball

down and cover things up a little

bit, but he obviously feels

confident on the backhand, and

that's the reason why.

APPLAUSE

They liked that one.

That is a very

good effort. I suppose, with a good

pace, he wasn't going to turn

Robert's in, so...

Robert just looking to try and

shuffle things around a bit. Bang on

target, and gets a result.

APPLAUSE

Yes, perfect result.

Well, he couldn't have hit it

better. That bowl was always coming

in. After spinning around a bit,

you're not really sure where it's

going to go, but having said that,

he couldn't have played it any

better.

No, just hit the target when

he wanted to. This spinner didn't

get too much of the jack. It's been

a good start.

A predictable change of length from

Robert.

Yes, and he's right on the

outside edge of the mat to help his

very strong bias bowls get back.

It's certainly not the easiest on

this length to find a good one. But

that is certainly a good starter.

Yes, right at the centre line.

That's a great reply as well. That's

good stuff.

I think they've both

come out with the mentality that

they've both got to play well.

Which, at this stage, you would

expect, but it doesn't always

happen.

No, it's all on the day, but

we love to see two players on top

form, because it makes it a

monumental battle.

REFEREE: The gap

at the back is five inches, the gap

at the front is seven inches.

At the centre line again, but

anything just over the weight, you

just don't get back.

No, perfect

pace or nothing, I think, today.

He's down again.

Just got back on

his pace being good enough.

It's a

good bowl. A confident call. Green.

I won't be surprised if Darren has a

pop at this.

Looks like he's lining

up for the forehand runner. Right on

cue...

Short jack length, didn't

give it time to move. Surely Robert

will go deep now.

You would think

so. I don't think there is a contact

that gets rid of all three greens

without moving the jack.

Well, both re-spots covered by this

back bowl. It is damage limitation.

His own two could disappear, I

suppose. That would be very unlucky.

He nearly followed for the spot.

Looking to see if his own bowl is

going to follow.

That may not be too

far away. It's close, from what we

can see.

That would be an

unbelievable result.

It's certainly

better than it was.

Bang on target,

but you can't really have

anticipated the follow-through.

No,

he was just going for a damage

limitation, and he certainly done

that.

It was his own bowl...

The umpire, Mike Davies, just

getting out the marker. That is well

in. A big result, a good hit, as you

say.

Robert will certainly...

I

think Darren would be happy to come

out second in that particular

situation. A turnover of four shots

there, that's big.

It wasn't too

much luck because he had exactly

what he wanted. But Robert, he would

think he was all covered there.

UMPIRE: Jack length 29.5 metres.

I

think this is going to be a game of

two different lengths.

I think

you're right.

It sometimes happens that way -

players come on with maybe a slight

game plan, but that is adaptable as

the match develops. Robert

definitely going for the short jack

length at the moment.

And played a

good end, but you can't stop

Darren's last bowl, can you?

A remarkable career, Darren Burnett,

when you look through it. I have

numerous times. So many titles in

there, it's scary stuff.

There isn't

much he hasn't won, is there?

Very

little. British Isles, on the

domestic front, which a lot of

professional players haven't. He has

won the British singles a couple of

times, I think. I certainly remember

at least once.

Yes.

I was on the

wrong side of it, that's why I

remember. Commonwealth Games, World

Championships... The world indoor

Council for times. Scary stuff. --

four times.

He has definitely got

most of the things on his CV that

you would want.

Absolutely.

Well, that's actually not bad,

because there are holes and gaps.

Robert's not got much. Perfect draw,

and he has got to fill in a gap for

his last one.

Robert's dropping short. He's going

to leave himself absolutely nothing

to play. Surely he won't risk having

a drive at it.

It could be dangerous

if he gets a bowl onto the jack and

one of his doesn't follow. Unless

Darren tucks it round the corner,

then he might have no option.

Oh, dear! He turned his back. I

wonder why. The line doesn't look

too bad. Yeah, he knew out of the

hand.

I don't know whether he got

disturbed or something. He knew

virtually from the hand.

Robert,

trying to make a connection on the

draw shot. Must be careful not to

over correct. He's on the wrong of

it.

He certainly was making up for

the ones he was short with.

Is probably not the front Green,

that's interesting.

Darren certainly

bossed the first to bowls on his

length. That's leaving Robert in

trouble at the moment.

The

differences, if Darren got out of

trouble -- Darren got out of trouble

in the last end, and Robert hasn't

been able to, this end. It makes a

tremendous difference to the match.

6-1 down, if he had got the shot, it

would have been 4-2, and all of a

sudden, 4-2 is nothing in a match

like this. When it is this close,

7-1, a long way back.

It certainly

is. Darren has a good runner, so if

you give him a five shot cushion,

you will only get a one when you

have played a really good end.

UMPIRE: Two shots, Darren Burnett.

It might only have been one before

Robert's last bowl.

is very difficult to have a career

and play top-level bowls, indoor and

out door. You know all about it. It

is a difficult mix. And with family

there as well. I know your family

are involved in bowls, but it is

still tough.

Yes, it is very time if

you're going to hold a standard.

Darren's shifts as well would have

been even harder.

He's a policeman,

of course. No 9-5 there.

With Scotland's commitments in World

Championships, Commonwealth Games,

Test matches...

Yes, it's very

tough, no doubt about that. A lot of

other sports, at this level, you can

make a very comfortable living.

Sadly, not in the sport of bowls.

Anyway, I think he likes being a

policeman.

I hope so - he's been

doing it a while.

He has. The only

police man in Scotland to get

special leave during the Glasgow

Commonwealth Games.

What can I say?

Everyone else was on duty, and he

was winning a gold medal.

But he did

but he was there to do.

Absolutely.

APPLAUSE

Well, Robert really needs to get

hold of this jack and change the

length.

He's still got time, but...

He can't afford to lose any more

shots. Five behind is doable, but...

O.

Any more than that, the games

start to run away.

This is one of

those that these to be added. I'm

sure Darren won't get that gap next

time round. -- that needs to be

added.

It's a clear one, and he's

got it. Good stuff, good bowl. We

may see a heavy shot coming out

here. Darren Burnett's trotting

back.

He's looking forward to this

one.

Two bowls will go. The jack, if

he gets it all the way through, he

will definitely get a shot.

The way

the angles are set, all the bounces

go that way as well.

Looking at two

bowls now. Onto the re-spot. Very

predictable.

As we said at the top

of the game, he's got one of the

best runners in the game. Two of the

three times it has been on show, he

has hit pretty much exactly where he

wanted to. Just enough to hold a

nice line and gets it away.

He's looking for this just to stop.

It's running a shade. Well... Is it

dropped back. It might just make it,

but it's very close.

Took one away. That's not counting,

so measure for shot. Once again,

it's an important measure.

Though, this is close. Equi distant.

That would just such fine.

It is

tighter than it looks, to be fair.

Oh, the red bowl. That would have to

go down as a badness at this level.

Definitely, I would be disappointed

with that. -- Robert would be

disappointed with that. Certainly,

as the scores stand, 6-2 and 7-1 is

a huge difference between those with

only three to play.

UMPIRE: Jack

length 29.5 metres.

Once again, he

is facing the longer jack length

that Darren prefers.

And Darren's

first bowl has been going pretty

good. And he hasn't let us down

again.

APPLAUSE

he's definitely nailed the line

length.

Obviously, the early start

this morning suits him.

He would normally do a shift of work

and then come down.

That's what he

did today.

Doesn't look so good, this one.

It

might help Robert -- it won't help

Robert, ferrets finished.

Certainly

not.

UMPIRE: Last bowl, 15 inches

short of jack. -- where it's

finished.

Can he hang around?

Opened the door.

Kept his own bowl on the rink, which

is good.

He certainly changed it. He

would've been hoping for a bit more

positive contact on the jack,.

He should be able to get inside

that. I know it is a longer jack

length, but we are seeing a lot of

players being able to hold the bowl

up.

That spot is still accessible,

but...

I want to see where it

finishes, because Robert might well

be forced to change onto the

backhand.

I would say that would

force him onto the backhand.

It would be an unusual spot to

finish. I don't imagine many players

would practice a re-spot under the

line.

APPLAUSE

On the thin side. Certainly not

coming across in the wider arc.

Well, certainly a better line with

this. Is chucking through a good

weight as well.

UMPIRE: 15 inches. 15 inches.

No

choice but to just draw away.

He has

had a siteer with his first one, if

he can get this a bit wide, and it

doesn't look like it is going much

wide.

He is underwritten now. Once

you go under, you have no chance of

staying in. It is this set is

sliding away rapidly. Robert's not

playing badly, but he's just that

little bit behind. I think that key

drive earlier...

He played a good

length on his own length but that is

the only time he has that chance to

buy it. And Darren has dominated the

first bowl.

Well, a very rare close to a full

links.

That is true but Rob still

needs to get seven in two which is a

big ask.

Will be trying to play

himself into the next set.

Well, it's not where he wanted it

and Rob has to be careful not to

touch it. But he could start off and

get a double.

He could create a bit

of pressure.

Missed a chance.

Yes,

he's missed a big chance there.

Seven in two is difficult anyway,

but... In front torture there. All

of a sudden you get a sniff of a

chance of a three -- a front

toucher.

Too many chances.

He certainly can't

give Darren three chances.

Has to

try and squeeze this jack through to

try and get something out of it.

He's going for the runner. Trying to

squeeze the jack against the ball

and bring it back for three. Front

ball didn't help obviously.

Wasn't

far away, but...

Go for cover and

leave it.

I would suggest Darren

goes the cover. Robert will still

play the same shot, he's got nothing

else, really.

Aiming for the three green bowls at

the back.

He's trying to encourage

it forward. He may have

inadvertently covered it by stopping

it.

Yes, I think so. That's probably

about pre-feet away -- 3-4 feet away

from where he wanted it.

That's going to make the scoreline

look, well...!

I don't think there's

any doubt that Darren deserved to

win the set.

Probably by, maybe