Stuart's staying on track for Granite City glory bid

Stuart Bebbington (Tweedmouth) only booked accommodation for threenights when he arrived for the City of Aberdeen bowling tournament, thinking he would only survive that length of time.

Now into the last eight of the singles and still in the pairs, he's had to rethink and look for a bed for another night.

The 23-year-old Galashiels postman has taken the competition bystorm, knocking out former champions Alan Rough and FrankieStevenson.

Although he is little known in Aberdeen, Bebbington beat Elgin'sAndrew Barker to win the junior Scottish singles in 2004 and is onhis way to Ayr again as area champion.

Last night he accounted for Balgownie's Graeme Muir 21-5 and meetsWilliam Boag (Muir of Ord) for a place in the last four.

Mike Stephen is still on course for another title after defeatingMark Campbell of Rothienorman. He plays Davie Alexander (NewPitsligo) for a semi-final place.

Today's quarter-finals include Alistair Campbell (Ellon) v DerekMurray (Rosehearty) and Quentin Chalmers (Abergeldie) against KeithMorrison (Harbour Board) who beat favourite Davie Anderson.

Holders Susan and Hilda Bruce are out of the women's pairs but notwithout a fight. Playing against Joan Paton and Diane Christie theylost by just one shot.

Another good tie was Jennifer Mackay and Sheila Stott againstMillie Mackie and Jean Paterson. Stott went into an early 10-2 leadbut had to struggle before winning 15-11.

The holders of the men's pairs are also out. Bob McWhinnie and EdHall (Turriff) won their first match but Jim Dawson and GeorgeMorrice won 13-11.

Gary Simpson and Barry Mackay showed some good touches when theydefeated favoured pair Alistair Campbell and Davie Anderson 18-10.

Roy Henry and Alan Rough kicked off with two good wins to showthat they will be a force to be reckoned with.

Seniors title holder Gordon Brown lost out to Charlie Duguid(Newhills) who romped home 21-13.

But the surprise of the night was Seafield's Bob Finlay oustingformer international Ian Beattie. Finlay led 20-8 but had to wait fora long time before going through 21-17.

Results, Page 46