Saturday 6^th December, 2008 was the date for Event No 5 (grand final) of the 2008 Blackball Ladies Pool Tour which was once again held in Pennies Bar, Falkirk. The ranking points were pretty close between two players, both vying for the sought after No. 1 ranking position, namely Elaine Campbell and Linda Gillies. Neither of these two even made the final however, as England's Sarah Trudgett took the Grand Final title by beating Leanne Evans of Wales.

2008 SCOTTISH LADIES POOL SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIP
RILEYS, PENICUIK, MIDLOTHIAN
1ST & 2ND NOVEMBER, 2008.

The weekend of 1st & 2nd November was the date for the 2008 Scottish Ladies Singles Championship. Defending and seven times champion, Linda Gillies was looking to make it “two in a row” by successfully defending the title she won in Dunfermline last year.

Scottish Singles Champion, Leanne Evans - centre, with runner-up and sponsor, Kim Black on the right. Co-sponsor, Jacky Williamson, left. A big thank you to Kim Black of Kim's Cars and Jacky Williamson of Jacky's Cards and Gifts for their sponsorship of this years eventhe date for the 2008 Scottish Ladies Singles Championship.

Saturday 18th October was the date for Event No 4 of the 2008 Blackball Ladies Pool Tour which was once again held in Pennies Bar, Falkirk. After the recent successful trip to the Isle of Man, the 2008 British Ladies Singles Champion, Linda Gillies was in the field looking to continue on her winning ways.

Linda Gillies, left, eventually seals a tour victory at her 3rd attempt this season against virgin finalist, Denise "Neesie" Laing of the Falkirk Mental.

Saturday 30th August was the date for Event No 3 of the 2008 Blackball Ladies Pool Tour which was once again held in Pennies Bar, Falkirk.

Ladies Tour Event 3 winner, Sarah Trudgett, and runner-up Linda Gillies, right.

Saturday 24th May was the date for Event No. 2 of the 2008 Blackball Ladies Pool Tour which was once again held in Pennies Bar, Falkirk. A few new players are in attendance this year and I am pleased to see new talent continuing to emerge throughout the ladies game in Scotland, long may this continue.

Elaine Campbell, left, completes the double against Linda Gillies

Congratulations goes to Diane Colville, left, from Ayr on winning 2008 Midlothian Ladies Open.

A smaller than expected field and last years winner Yvonne Ewing not in attendance lead the way for last years runner up to go one better and lift the title beating local lass and ex Scottish Singles Champion Angie Mackay, right in the picture, in the final.

The 2008 Festival of Pool in the Isle of Man has drawn to a close; the final titles played for, the trophies handed over, and the tables packed and stored for the next event.

Eleven titles in all were contested over the ten days of competition, and they provided winners from every part of the British Isles.

Linda Gillies from Scotland is the 2008 ladies British Open Champion, following a hard fought victory over her international team mate Yvonne Ewing.

Yvonne forged ahead initially, but Linda came back to win 8-5 at the end in a final which kept us all enthralled as it swung first one way then the other.....

The time was 05:30 Hrs and myself, Hustler, Jackie Williamson and Kellie Barn set off for Bridlington in time to watch the Rangers v Celtic match in the Greyhound!. We arrived in Bridlington in plenty of time to get settled into the Hemsley Holiday Flats and set off to watch the football, along with Alex McDowell, Gary Skene and Malky Cowan to name but a few. The week started off brilliantly (from our point of view) with Rangers securing a 1-0 victory, I must say though, I didn’t think the “slightly grazed by Alex’s fist” overhead projector would recover after Rangers scored – great first day.

The opening ceremony was at 14:00 Hrs on Sunday 30th March with the Scotland teams matched into the inspiring sound of “Scotland the Brave – Rave version”, upbeat and very Scottish. We were proudly wearing our new team t-shirts with our sponsors emblozoned on them, Zenith (£2,000), Colins Tyres, Aberdeen (£500) and Stonehouse Tyre & Exhaust Centre (£500) – thank you very much to these sponsors, we really do appreciate your help.

Event No. 2 of this seasons Blackball Ladies Tour is being held on Saturday 24th May, 2008 in Pennies Bar, Falkirk.

An increased entry for this event, something which im delighted about - the future of ladies pool in Scotland looks good.

Players are reminded that the event starts at 11:00 Hrs sharp and the dress code remains as trousers, shoes and polo shirt.

A list of players is attached for your information.