COWDEN-GELLY bowlers Gary Handyside and Darryl Stewart were at the forefront as Disability Sport Fife claimed inter-area glory.

The pair, members of Lumphinnans and Broad Street bowling clubs respectively, were part of a 12-strong DSF team that took part in the Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) Inter-Area Bowls Championship.

Held for the seventh time, the event in Musselburgh attracted teams from Lothian, Fife, Glasgow and first-time entrants Tayside and Forth Valley, but it was the Kingdom's bowlers who were to finish on top.

Each team consisted three male and three female players and DSF entered the maximum number of 12 to comprise of Fife 'A' men and ladies, and 'B' men and ladies.

Handyside was in the men's 'A' team alongside Craig Donaldson and Steven Anderson, and they progressed through their qualifying section of singles, pairs and triples, losing only one match and acquiring 14 points in the process.

The 'B' team, of which Stewart was part of with Lloyd Simpson and Willie Christie, followed a similar programme undefeated with one team less, scoring 12 points, to set up an all-Fife final, which the 'B' team won to claim gold.

Their one-two, combined with Fife Ladies 'A' also winning gold and a strong performance from Fife Ladies 'B', saw DSF take the SDS Trophy.

Richard Brickley, DSF president, said: "Congratulations to the bowlers from the Fife team who surpassed all expectations and retained the SDS Trophy.

"Lawn bowls, indoor bowls and carpet bowls for players with learning disabilities are strong in Fife at the moment thanks to DSF engagement with inclusive bowling clubs like Headwell, Dovecot, Lumphinnans, Abbeyview, Beveridge Park, East Fife Indoor, Windygates, Cowdenbeath etc.

"Junior numbers are also on the increase and DSF is proud that it had three first time selected players in the team of 2019."