The East Lothian Ladies are ready to make history on Saturday as they aim to be the first Garden County ladies team to win either the ladies league or cup.
Read MoreThe club is running a bus to the final on which, at the time of writing, there were still seats available on. Please contact the club on 01875 614166 if you would like a seat.
It was not to be for the Garden County four of Jamie Higgins, Scott Kennedy, Derek Oliver and Billy Mellors as they aimed to retain the Scottish Fours title they won last year when in action at Arbroath last weekend. The four made a poor start to the game and despite laying good counts to get back into the game on two or three occasions, each time their opposing Galleon skip came up trumps by drawing the shot. The Galleon four, who East Lothian had defeated to win the title last year, controlled the game in the latter stages and as well as winning, 9-22, went on to win the title.
The Jock Brodie Seniors Challenge Trophy Sponsored by N T Craig, Tom Young Plumbing & Electrical Services and Colin Glen Roofing Section “A” was completed last Wednesday when Bainfield and Abbeyview qualified for the semi-finals. The last games in Section “B” were due to take place this Wednesday 3rd with the two favourites to qualify being Midlothian and Perth although Tweedbank could sneak through if they claim full points when they play Perth. All winners and runners-up qualify for the semi-finals which are scheduled for the 10th April.
Last Thursday Tom Young’s rink secured the Garden County place in the National Senior Fours having won both Pre and Post-Christmas events. This Thursday 4th April the semi-finals of the Senior Singles will be contested when Willie Gillies plays Ali McKenna and Lessel Middler faces Peter Fallen.
In the Top Club semi-finals last Friday the two Tranent teams set up a local derby in the final. Both teams were always in control of their games from half way onwards. Tranent ran out 41-28 winners over Aberlady whilst EL Co-op defeated Pathhead 39-26. The final takes place this Friday 5th April at 6.30pm and should make for some great viewing for those able to make it along.
On Monday night Mark Johnston’s rink were crowned League Division one post-Christmas winners and will now face the rink of Dean Riva, who won the pre-Christmas version. Dropping down into Division Two were the rinks of David Currie, Emma Logan and John Hamilton whilst Janet Fairnie’s rink have the change to retain their place in the league in a play-off against the fourth placed team from Division Two. The final games to decide promotion and relegation from Division Two were due to be played on Tuesday night. The title was between the rinks of Grant Fender and David McGlynn while the rinks of Steven Morgan and Peter Fallen were also involved in the fight to go directly up.
Next week is Finals week at the Alex Marshall Arena and the following is the current schedule which is subject to change and additions depending on games played this week:
Monday 8th April
Under 18 Singles – Danny Stevenson v Aaron Betts
Under 13 Singles – Logan Kennedy v Lennon Rafferty
Division 1 Final – Dean Riva v Mark Johnston
Tuesday 9th April
Top Four – Andy Jeffery v A O Blair
Under 21 Singles – Dean Riva v Lewis Betts
Ladies Fours – Emma Logan v Janet Fairnie
Gents Fours Final
Gents Senior Pairs – Andy Burt v Willie Wood MBE
Wednesday 10th April
Youth Pairs – D Grieve & A Betts v D Kivlin & L Betts
Ladies Junior Singles – Megan Kivlin v Beth Riva
Kiwi Quaich Final
Senior Triples Final
Gents Triples – Andy Burt v Joe Mower
Ladies Two Bowl Singles – M Thomson v J Fairnie
Thursday 11th
Gents Pairs – Willie Wood MBE v Billy Mellors
Ladies Pairs – Melissa Penman v Lauren Baillie-Whyte
Ladies Two Bowl Pairs – J Fairnie v M Thomson
Gents Two Bowl Pairs – P Fallen v L Middler
Friday 12th – Singles finals night for which more details will appear next week.
Tonight, Thursday, sees the AGM take place at East Lothian Indoor Bowling Club.
The ELBA outdoor AGM was held on Wednesday the 27th March in Haddington Bowling Club and it may be of interest to the bowlers of East Lothian to know that the following issues were unanimously passed by the AGM where ALL member clubs were represented:
Participation for all bowlers in the Friday Night leagues including ladies;
A new knockout trophy for each Friday league, also open to all bowlers;
Rationalisation of other knockouts with no more Brown Trophy, East Lothian News trophy or County Cup while the Courier Cup is retained in its current format.
Following on from the ELBA AGM its opening time for the East Lothian outdoor clubs over the next two weekends.