Legendary Scottish Men's bowls pairing bow out of Commonwealth Games after unbeaten Canada clinch semi-final spot

Seeking to avenge a costly defeat to unbeaten group leaders Canada on Friday, the legendary Scots partnership returned to action against South Africa in their final pool game, knowing a victory was required to pile the pressure on the Canadians.

They did their part by winning in straight sets before facing an anxious wait to discover their fate. However, Canada swatted aside the Norfolk Islands in the afternoon session to deny Marshall and Foster a spot in the latter stages of the competition.

"There's no easy games nowadays," Foster told The Scotsman. "Maybe in years gone against the so-called 'smaller' nations, you were guaranteed to win, but that's not the case anymore. There's so many good youngsters coming through and it's quite frightening how good they are, so you can't afford to take anybody lightly at all.

"Our opponents this morning played exceptional. You've really got to be on your game to win these matches. Obviously, losing to Canada was a hard one to take. We both played well, but it was a game that go away from us and in this short five-end format, anything can happen as we've seen.

"We just had to go out and do a professional job, and get the win on the board to put the pressure back on Canada, but we've got no complaints. We've given it a good shot, winning four out of five.

"We've had a lot of family and friends here all week, and the support has just been fantastic, people giving up their time to come and watch us. We both really appreciate that immensely, so a massive thanks to all the supporters."

Aware they had to get off to a strong start in what was a must-win contest, Marshall and Foster came flying out of the blocks against the South African duo of Jason Evans and Paul White, winning the first set 7-1.

They looked to be coasting to victory early in the second before surviving a scare as their opponents threatened to win the end by five points. However, a missed final bowl ensured Marshall and Foster took the set 5-2 to emerge with the win.

The five-time world indoor open pairs champions may have relinquished their crown this year, but they have been a formidable pairing over the last four decades, securing a gold medal together in both the Pairs and Fours at the Glasgow 2014 Games. So what has been the key behind their success?

‘I still remember Glasgow 2014 like yesterday’

"We know each other's games inside out and I think that's a massive factor in our partnership," Marshall admitted. "Paul knows what I can do and I know what he can do. We've travelled the world together for many years and I think that gives both of us a massive incentive to do well together.

"I still remember Glasgow 2014 like yesterday, it was a very successful Commonwealth Games for both of us. We're best of mates and I think that's what spurs us on to do well together. We've done great in the sport in the last 30, 40 years, it's a solid bond."

In the Women's Singles, Fife-based primary school teacher Sophie McGrouther lost in straight sets against table-topping Norfolk Islands star Shae Wilson to exit the competition.