Friday the 13^th was anything but unlucky for Alex “Tattie” Marshall as he cemented his place in history as the most successful Team Scotland athlete of all time. By winning a gold medal in the Men’s Fours competition, Alex brought his total medal count to five golds and one silver – surpassing Allan Wells’ four gold medals, one silver, and one bronze.

The win also brings Paul Foster, Alex’s Pairs and Fours partner, up to third position in the rankings, sitting just below Allan Wells with four golds and one silver.

The two, along with Derek Oliver and Ronnie Duncan (who both also collected gold in the Men’s Triples competition), fought hard for a win against Australia in what was a tense and thrilling game. The men were 12-8 down following the 11^th end, but slowly moved back into contention over the next three ends, sitting 13-11 down going into the last end.

Following some show-stopping play from all four men, the team scored four bowls in the last end, walking away with a 15-13 win.

Speaking about the win, and his new place in the Team Scotland history books, Alex said: “I went out there today thinking about the win, first and foremost. Becoming the most successful athlete was always in the back of my mind, but today was about getting another medal for Team Scotland. It’s been a fantastic Games for the entire team and we’re so proud to be a part of that.

“Winning five gold medals is just brilliant. My initial dream was for one – so five is incredible. I didn’t do it alone, though, and I need to thank every single person I’ve partnered with along the way.

“I feel like I’ve got a few years left in me yet! I’m looking forward to 2022 and playing with these guys for a few more years.”

Making the day even more special, the Men’s Fours weren’t the only medallists at Broadbeach Bowls Club today as the Women’s Pairs also collected a bronze medal.

Claire Johnston and Lesley Doig defeated Canada 18-10 to take the bronze medal in the Women’s Pairs – making it third time lucky for Claire as she placed fifth in Delhi 2010 and fourth in Glasgow 2014.

Claire said: “It feels amazing. The last two games in Delhi and Glasgow were a bit of a disappointment for me, so I’ve worked hard all year to be prepared for this, and to get a medal is just a dream come true.”

There was no podium finish for defending champion Darren Burnett in the Men’s Singles however, as he was defeated by England’s Robert Paxton 21-14 in the bronze medal match.

Today marked the end of Team Scotland’s Lawn Bowls competition with a total medal tally of five: gold for Men’s Triples and Fours, silver for Women’s Triples and Men’s Pairs, and bronze for Women’s Pairs.