TAYLOR Greechan saved one of his best performances until last as he pushed two-time Commonwealth Games champion Aaron Wilson all the way in his final men’s singles match.
The 20-year-old was beaten in straight sets by the Australian, 8-5, 6-5, but forced one of the world’s leading bowlers to dig deep throughout a fiercely competitive contest at the Scottish Event Campus.
Wilson, who arrived at this match with five wins from five in the group stage, looked to be cruising after opening up a 4-0 lead in the first set.
However, Greechan responded superbly, producing a series of eye-catching conversion shots to claw his way back to 6-5 before Wilson produced a decisive final bowl to seal the set 8-5.
The second set followed a similar pattern. Wilson edged ahead 4-0, only for the animated Jerseyman to battle back once again.
A brilliant three-shot end briefly handed Greechan a 5-4 lead and left the Australian facing the prospect of a tie-break before the former champion showed his class, claiming the final end to snatch the set 6-5.
Despite ending his debut Games campaign without reaching the knockout stages, Greechan’s performances improved as the week progressed.
“It felt really good,” he said. “I felt really confident after the first few ends and played a few big conversion shots. It must have been the blue bowls – I’ve used red all week. I’m definitely quite proud of that performance.”
Reflecting on his first Commonwealth Games, Greechan added: “It’s been really challenging at times. As a singles player it’s quite lonely when you’re out on the green and when you go back to the hotel after a hard loss.
“But it’s been really exciting to be here. I’m really proud to be wearing a Jersey shirt at the Commonwealth Games.”
