TWO well-known figures in the Merkinch sporting scene showed true style at last month’s Inverness Half-Marathon and Fun Run event which attracted over 1300 participants, a record number. Local hero in the half-marathon event was Kenny Riddle (pictured left) of Bikes in Grant Street. The former international cycling champion and Highland Cross champion was pipped to the post, by a mere seven seconds, for second place by Edinburgh’s Graham Beal. First again this year was Commonwealth Games runner Simon Pride from Fochabers. Former Merkinch Primary School pupil Alexina MacArthur (right) of Inverness Harriers was the first woman home in the 3.8km Fun Run.

Both photographs courtesy of Phil Downie.

THE Inverness Fours final was a repeat of the threes with Portland A against Portland C - but this time the result was reversed with the A coming out on top.
The winning quartet was Jim Hunter, Gordon Morison, John Mackenzie and Richie Devlin. The Portland C team consisted of Alan MacKinnon, Robert Mackenzie, “ Bomber” Godsman, Andy MacIntosh and Evan Macdonald.

The losing semi finalists were Portland A1 and Uncle Bobs. Uncle Bobs also won the Clach Shield to add to the Smith Shield they won earlier in the season albeit a completely different set of players.

The winning four were John Bain, Trevor Bell, Greg MacIntosh and Peter Ord. They beat the Clachnaharry four of Jim Macneil, Billy Palmer, Iain Thomson and David Hyslop in the final. The losing semi finalists were Clach Club and Macallums.
Andy MacIntosh scored two 180s and also hitting max were Barrie Mackay, Bomber Godsman and Robert Mackenzie. Robert also had a 121 check out and Colin Robertson went out on 116.

Joyce Elder became the first player to win the Inverness Ladies Singles four times and also the first to win three times in succession. She beat Marion Ogg in the final and the losing semi finalists were Liz Dallas and Lucille Duncan.

Portland A and C continued their rivalry when they met in the vital top of the A League clash and the popular Sandy Mackay Charity Singles which is run on a handicap system.

The Sandy McKay Charity Weekend was held on 21-23 March at the Portland Club; the Darts Handicap Singles on the Friday night, a free buffet dance on the Saturday night and the Domino team event on Sunday afternoon. Sandy was well known in both darts and domino circles. This is the second year the event has been held.

The Ladies Doubles were held in conjunction with the all-in singles at the Clach Club on 27th March. Results in next issue.

The North of Scotland Fours takes place at the Invergordon Social Club on Saturday 12th April.