2008 in the Lennox Herald sports headlines

Jan 9 2009 by Laura McLachlan and Andy Galloway, Lennox Herald (main ed)

THE Lennox Herald has brought you the biggest and best selection of local sport throughout 2008.

Sports reporters Laura McLachlan and Andy Galloway take you through some of the sporting highlights of July - December 2008.

IN JULY, Graeme McDowell won the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond after finishing two shots ahead of Englishman Simon Khan.

Dumbarton powerlifter Bernie McKinley won her second consecutive British Strongwoman title.

MMA victories continued with Dinky Ninja Fight Team members John Cullen, John Quinn and Scott Ward notching up a victory each at the first event of its kind in Dumbarton, held at the Harp Social Club.

Judo ace Leanne Black added a junior and senior gold medal to her trophy cabinet after making her mark at the Irish Judo Championships.

Dumbarton boss Jim Chapman was given the birthday blues by a 3-2 Challenge Cup first round defeat to Airdrie United.

The gaffer saw his team let a two-goal lead slip against the Diamonds on the day he turned 43 – in the town he grew up in as a boy.

IN AUGUST, Alexandria-born canoeist Fiona Pennie completed her journey from the bonnie banks to Beijing to compete in the 2008 Olympics – but failed to make the finals.

St Pat’s FPs’ star Anthony McGrogan made a move to the senior ranks by signing up for Scottish Second Division side Queen’s Park.

Superbike speed king Mark Buckley triumphed against adversity when he took victory in the Ken Redfern Trophy despite an ear infection, and grip and traction issues.

Dumbarton got the better of Vale in the junior v senior West Dunbartonshire derby at Millburn Park.

All the goals came in the second half, with trialist Steven Weir opening the scoring for Sons before Mark Pawsey responded for Vale with just 15 minutes left.

But another trialist, Daniel McCuaig, from Dumbarton Accies, won the game for the seniors just three minutes later.

IN SEPTEMBER, Helensburgh sailing sensation Charlotte Dobson picked up a silver medal in the Laser Radial Class at the Skandia sail.

Rangers girls centre back Lesley McMaster of Bonhill, got her football career off to a dream start – bagging an Old Firm victory and a call-up to the under 19s Scotland squad, aged just 16.

Dumbarton Bowling Club rising star Michelle Keenan represented Scotland when they met the Auld Enemy – England.

Ross Clark scores a wonder goal in Dumbarton’s 3-1 win over Albion Rovers and his strike is compared to James McFadden’s famous effort against France in Paris.

The 25-year-old, who reckons it was the best goal he’s ever scored, hit the ball with his weaker left foot.