Commonwealth Games – Opposition Analysis: Scotland
With the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games rapidly approaching, bowls.com.au have taken a look at the Australian Bowls Team’s steepest competition, with the Scots next under the microscope. In a little over two months, nations from all around the world will descend on the Broadbeach Bowls Club to contest the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Heading into the Games as hosts, much will be expected of our Jackaroos but there are several other extremely talented nations in their own right who will look to threaten the Aussies.
Helping you get familiarised with some of these nations that are set to grace Australian shores will be our ‘Opposition Analysis’ series.
Next under the microscope, Scotland.
The Scots enjoyed a hugely successful home games in 2014, handling the expectation of a nation with aplomb in taking out gold in three of the four men’s disciplines.
MORE:
2018 Commonwealth Games – Opposition Analysis: New Zealand
2018 Commonwealth Games – Opposition Analysis: England
Possessing some of the finest bowlers in the world among their ranks, Scotland will again present a strong case for gold in multiple events.
Here is a breakdown of their squad:
The Star – Darren Burnett
Burnett is the reigning Games gold medalist in the flagship Men’s Singles after defeating Canada’s Ryan Bester in front of his home crowd in Glasgow. With gold medals across both World Indoor and Outdoor Championships to his name, Burnett will be looking to defend his title on Broadbeach albeit in slightly different conditions to 2014.
The Stalwart – Alex Marshall
The 50-year-old will be looking to add to his tally of four gold medals when he makes his sixth Games appearances on the Gold Coast this year. Dubbed “Tattie”, Marshall is an iconic figure in Scottish bowls. Having first picked up the sport at age eight, he has gone on to enjoy a glittering career including a record-breaking six World Indoor Singles Championships, six World Indoor Pairs titles, seven World Championship gold medals and the aforementioned four Commonwealth Games gold medals.
The Young Gun – Lesley Doig
The 26-year-old who hails from Perth (Scotland) is set for her Games debut on the Gold Coast and will bring with her a strong pedigree. Doig has in recent years collected silver from the singles at the 2016 World Championships as well as bronze in the pairs, while also backing up 2018 Games selection in October with the World Indoor Mixed Pairs title with James Chestney in January.
Team Scotland:
Caroline Brown
Lesley Doig
Claire Johnston
Stacey McDougall
Kay Moran
Darren Burnett
Ronnie Duncan
Paul Foster
Alex Marshall
Derek Oliver
Image – Alex Marshall – four-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist
