DETERMINED Ardrossan bowler Natalie Kyle helped off Scotland shake off their reputation as bridesmaids when she helped them win an event at the eighth time of asking.

From 2010 until 2016 the Scots had been runners-up to England in the Ladies Under-25 Home Internationals.

However all that changed at Islwyn, Wales on February 12, when they were finally victorious. The Scots took 12 points, the Auld Enemy were runners-up with 10 while the hosts were third with two points.

Natalie (23) was skip of her rink in the team. The Scotland line-up also featured Prestwick duo Rebecca Houston and Dawn Anderson and Auchinleck's Stephanie Wallace.

For Natalie, a former pupil at St Andrew's and St Matthew's Academy success was the highpoint of her career so far and she said: "Since 2010 Scotland had been runners-up in the competition and my first involvement was two years later. So it was great to finally win and that we had four Ayrshire girls in the team. We all get on so well. This is my biggest achievement so far as the Home Internationals are a big event."

Added the youngster, who has been playing the sport for 13 years: "I was especially delighted for our team captain Claire Walker as this is her last year playing at Under-25 level. We had a really good team spirit and I would say that was the key to our success."

Next up for Natalie is a Singles quarter-final against Sarah Kennedy at Ardrossan tonight (Wednesday).