local sports A great debut season for Iain
A young sailor from Houston is achieving remarkable success in his quest to represent Britain at the Olympic Games. Gryffe High School Pupil Iain McLaughlan has scooped a hoard of prizes in his fi rst season in the Laser Radial class. Fourteen year old Iain made the decision last winter to switch from the junior Topper class to the youth and adult Laser class even though he was technically too young, being thirteen as opposed to the normal transition age of 15. He needed to move classes as at approaching six
feet tall, he was outgrowing the smaller boat and since making the jump he has shown his young age to be no handicap in competing with his much more experienced rivals.
Iain started his debut season with an unexpected bang, winning the fi rst two legs of the Laser Radial Grand Prix and collecting the Scottish schools championship in the class at the Brown Cup. He continued to surprise his supporters with a string of good results and later won the two legged Scottish Inland Championship. He then ended the domestic season with a hard fought series victory in the Laser Radial Grand Prix which consists of nine events throughout the season. The only major Scottish prize to elude Iain in this remarkable debut season was the Scottish Championship, in which, needing a top four fi nish in the fi nal race to win, he pushed the start line a bit too hard and the resulting penalty deprived him of a clean sweep.
When asked about the foundations of his success, Iain said “Apart from technical ability, Laser sailing requires a great deal of fi tness work. You have to get your diet right and put a lot of effort into aerobic and strength work. I still enjoy the occasional pizza and Tunnocks teacakes, the food of champions are an essential part of my pre-race routine.”
Iain’s ambition now is to replicate his early Scottish success on the UK stage. He has already competed in the National Championships, coming fourth in a very competitive silver fl eet, and wants now to graduate to the gold fl eet which is home to the world’s top sailors. He hopes to gain a place in the transition squad this year, which is the feeder for the GBR Youth Squad, the top dozen under 18 sailors in Britain, which Iain hopes to join next year.
Local Boys Complete Platinum Swimming Award
Congratulations and well done to Lewis King aged 10 from Johnstone and Samuel Riis aged 8 from Kilmacolm who have achieved their Swimming Teacher’s Association, Platinum Advanced Swimming Skills Award. The boys have completed two courses of water skills awards, each consisting of 3 levels and gaining bronze, silver and gold in both. Their success is all the more remarkable as the Platinum Award is the highest swimming award in Great Britain for under 16 year olds. Samuel and Lewis started swimming competently 2 years ago with their coach Paul Ferris at Johnstone Swimming Pool. In addition to their Platinum Award they previously completed the 1 mile swim and then the 100 lengths swim. Next…the English Channel!
Birkmyre RFC
Training has continued strongly at Birkmyre park with a regular turn out of 25 or more. Most encouraging is the infl ux of new young players being drawn to the club from the surrounding communities. We now have a large number of players under 21, Jonathan Cawte, Ruaridh Pinkerton, Davy Carruth, Andy Pearson, Dougie Holmes, Murray Noble, Rab Wilson, Callum Hall, Dougie Gillespie and Michael Degnan. All these guys are now competing hard for fi rst team places and breathing new life in to the club. John Black and Fozzy continue to push the squad and work hard on core skills.
In other news we are pleased to announce that the Jason Andrews, Chef/ owner of the River Inn, Crosslee has agreed to continue his sponsorship of Birkmyre RFC. Jason and his team have been a huge support to the club both fi nancially and as a venue for our now famous Christmas Dance. The food, drink and service has always been second to none and we would like to thank him personally for his continued support.
Please come down and support us and if you are a current or ex player of the game why not join us for training every Tuesday at 7.30pm at Birkmyre Park, Knockbuckle Road, Kilmacolm.
If you are interested in playing please contact Jon Harris on 07960 151015 or team manager Peter Haveron on 07815 090839.
Here are our upcoming Fixtures.
FUTURE FIXTURES: 29th STANDBY DATE; 5th Nov Clydesdale home 2pm; 12th Nov Millbrae away 2pm; 19th Nov Paisley Home 2pm; 26th Nov Mull Home 1pm NB Rearranged date.
Kilbarchan bowling club
Well members that’s another outdoor season come to a close with mixed success on the green and in various competitions. Now the wee carpet takes over, so let’s hope we can spring a few surprises in the league and cup competitions, both the seniors and the gents sections, though have had a shaky start to the campaign loosing their fi rst game. Early doors, so get stuck in guys and let’s get some better results for the rest of the season! The presentation of prizes and the closing of the green took place on the 8th October, although the weather was quite dreach and dull, members still managed to play the green to a close with at least ten ends. At the close of play and all dried off, Hugh Brown formally closed the green and gave all present a well deserved complimentary drink from the bar. He invited all to attend the function at night with the prize giving and dancing to a lively disco - this was a great success and went on to the wee small hours with a few hangovers no doubt!! All that is left to do is to put the green to bed.
Once again I would ask the members, and all sections of the club, if they would like anything of interest to appear in this report either phone, email, or leave a written note in the club for John Fleming, usually no later than the 12th of the month, to catch the date for the Advertiser’s cut of date.
Could all members, who are also members of the Royal British legion Scotland, be reminded that the AGM takes place early December - a good turnout is requested for some important issues that have arisen.
Lastly it is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Irvin Bell on the 10th October, suffering a massive stroke, he was a well known face about the club and always appeared for the invitation fours and a few beers, our thoughts go out to his family at this sad time.
Reported by John Fleming Contact: Email fl
emingjohn6@yahoo.com or T: 01505 705665.
Bridge of Weir Curling Club
The new curling season has begun and Bridge of Weir Curling Club is eager to welcome new members. Whether you are an experienced curler or a complete beginner who would like to try out the sport we will be happy to hear from you.
Find out more from our website at
www.bowcc.org.uk. You will get an insight into our friendly club, together with contact information.
52 |NOVEMBER 2011 | your LOCAL news every month - in print and online |
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