Bridge of Allan Gazette - 15th July 1911
FALLIN BOWLING - FIRST MATCH ON NEW GREEN - LOCAL CLUB DEFEATED
On Wednesday evening five rinks from the Spittalmyre Bowling Club visited Polmaise Bowling Club, when a most enjoyable game was contested, which ended in a victory for Spittalmyre with 32 shots up, the scores being :- Spittalmyre,106; Polmaise, 72.
At the close of the game the president of the local club, Mr Todd, said that it gave them great pleasure to have their old friends from Spittalmyre at their first match on the Fallin green, and when he saw the visitors with so many veterans in their midst, he was not so surprised at the victory. He hoped, however, that Polmaise would yet be able to alter the figures.
In reply, the vice-president of Spittalmyre, Mr George Liddle, said it was unfortunate that their president, Mr W Porter, was unavoidably absent, as he considered this to be a very important match. However, on behalf of the Spittalmyre club and himself he thanked the president, Mr Todd, and the Polmaise club for their kind invitation that evening. They had thoroughly enjoyed the game and the hospitality of the Fallin club, and in his opinion the green was in excellent order, and reflected the greatest credit on the parties responsible for its institution.
He, of course, was also delighted at the victory for Spittalmyre, but greater than the victory was the good feeling and friendly spirit which existed all through the game, and he hoped that these estimable traits would continue amongst them. He had much pleasure in asking for three hearty cheers for the Fallin club members, and three cheers for their president, Mr Todd. (Cheers.)
Historical Note: This article captures the very first competitive match played on the new Polmaise Bowling Club green, just over a month after its official opening in June 1911. Despite the defeat, the gracious sportsmanship shown by both clubs set the tone for what would become a century-long tradition of friendly competition. President Todd's optimistic prediction that "Polmaise would yet be able to alter the figures" would prove prophetic, as the club went on to achieve numerous successes in the years to come, beginning with their first trophy win in 1914.
