Co-op Funeralcare to sponsor Top Ten event THE Scottish Inter County Top Ten Tournament has attracted The Co-operative Funeralcare as its headline sponsor for a second year and the champion club of 25 Associations will compete for the 2013 title commencing with the prelim round action on Sunday, May 12. The good news of continued substantial funding will be delivered to the national executive when they meet at Gorgie Mills BC, in the Capital, on Sunday. And in a groundbreaking initiative the headline sponsor is striking a commemorative badge for each of the 250 players (plus two reserves per team) that will grace the tournament as 2012 county champions. "This is the 32nd year of our highly competitive national championship so it is well established as a highlight event of the national calendar and we welcome the decision of The Co-operative Funeralcare to invest its support in a major Scottish sport," said SICTT secretary Jack McLean of Midlothian. Speaking for the sponsor their MD George Tinning said: "Supporting the local communities we serve is a crucial role for The Co-operative Funeralcare, it's right at the heart of our heritage and everything we do. Our continuing support of The Scottish Inter County Top Ten, an event that embraces leading bowlers from 25 Counties, enables us to give something back to communities all over Scotland. Slateford, the first ever back-to-back winners of the national title in 1996 and 1997, carry the banner for Edinburgh in this year's renewal while the other Lothian representation comprises Bathgate (West Lothian), Musselburgh (Midlothian), and Cockenzie & Port Seton (East Lothian). Meanwhile, the outdoor season is fast approaching with entry information going out on the annual staging of the 2 Bowl Open Pairs event at Ratho BC. This year's tournament - sponsored by Belhaven Brewery - offers generous prize money of £1100 in total with £400 allocated to the winners, who last season were Stewart Grant of Buchan Park and Raymond Logan of Kirkliston. The holders defend their title over the weekend of Saturday/Sunday, May 4 and 5. "You would certainly say that Stewart and Ray are the ones to beat but you have to be in it to do it so entry at £5 per pair should be made via Ratho BC, telephone 0131-333-2511, by April 30," says organiser Frank Dowling.