NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 1893-2001

The first Rink Championship, was as now, carried through in two stages, the first or preliminary stage being controlled by district representatives - designated Local Secretaries; the title is still held by today's Councillors. For the first Rinks Competition no less than 132 clubs entered, which included clubs from as far north as Inverness to Newton Stewart in the south, and from Dunoon in the west to Broughty Ferry inthe east. It was reported that many queries were made to Mr James Brown, the Association Secretary about doubtful points but each enquiry received careful attention, with the result, that, the absence of friction was complimentary to all concerned.

The first Rinks Championship, the fore-runner of the present National Championships, was held at Queens Park Bowling Club on the 12th August 1893.

The finalists were as follows:-

The winners were Kilwinning who beat Carluke by 22-16 in the final.

At the close Dr Clark, President presented the prizes as follows:-
Kilwinning £20, Carluke £10, and the beaten semi-finalists, Dreghorn £10, Dumbarton £10.

It is of interest to note that in the game between Lutton Place and Sanquhar, James Brown, the first Secretary played for Sanquhar and the man who was to be his successor, Andrew Hamilton played for Lutton Place. Sanquhar won by one shot.

In August 1894, the second National Championships were held at Queen's Park, with Singles as well as Rinks.

There had been an entry of 136 for the Rinks but only 73 for the Single-handed tournament. As only 73 were to hand for the Singles it was decided to divide the country into eight districts for the Singles instead of sixteen as in the Rinks. However, it was not long before all tournaments in the finals, consisted of 16 qualifiers.