Claire Johnston wasn’t bowled over by her Delhi experience

Claire Johnston believes failure at the Commonwealth Games has made her a stronger competitor.

The 35-year-old bowler was part of a Scotland team that returned from Delhi without a medal four years ago.

It was a massive disappointment for a nation with a history that shows 13 golds amongst a haul of 28 medals.

Claire says: “Delhi which was such a big disappointment, but it was a learning curve all round. We’re now stronger and we’ve prepared better than ever for Glasgow.

“In Delhi I was in the game to take me into the bronze place, and I lost by a shot. All I can do is use that as a spur to do better this time.

“We’ve trained for this over the past two years, and if we’re all playing well then I believe we can win medals. It’s the best-prepared team we’ve ever had.”

Head coach David Gourlay has made sure the 10-strong squad know everything about the venue at Kelvingrove Park.

Taking a forensic approach to studying the playing surface should help the competitors make the most of their natural ability.

Claire, from Auchinleck, continues: “We’re been here for weeks and we have our own books where we record details of every green, every rink, every setting.

“We put down what we think of the rink, what the benefits are and which hand to play. We have records compiled and every individual has access to that information.

“I have my own personal notes and will look back at them, especially with Kelvingrove. I’ve put a lot of work in.”

Things are slightly different for Claire. She’s a left-hander and hopes that might be a slight advantage. Most of her opponents take a different “road” as they aim for the jack.

She says: “I tend to get a different road from everyone else and sometimes people try to follow that road and it can be a disadvantage for them.

“I know I won’t get the road that most people take, so I just totally concentrate on my own game.”