Bainfield are in a buoyant mood after last weekends home win over a strong Blantyre side in the A section of the indoor bowls premier league but the relegation zoned Edinburgh Elite have a massive challenge on their hands when they tackle Midlothian at Dalkieth tomorrow (2pm).
Read more“There is no doubt that for good reasons at opposite ends of the league table the outcome of our clash is of critical importance to both teams suggesting that a cracking encounter is in prospect”, said Bainfield team manager Alan Brown. “We will be the underdogs as the away team and on general form-lines in a top versus bottom situation but we won our home game against them generally play well at Dalkeith and are well fired up from our win over Blantyre so travel without fear or trepidation”, he added. Brown makes one change in the shape of Craig Aitken returning at the expense of his last match stand Graham Pringle and he lines up at second to Graeme Mcintosh, Brian Stoddart and Barry Hill. The other rinks are, Rink 2. Kevin Tennant, Alan Brown, Colin Hutchison, and James Hogg. Rink 3. Chris Downie, Mark McIntosh, John McDermott, and Gavin Smith. Rink 4. Josh Spalding, Stephen Pringle, Daniel Gormley, and Craig Paterson (cpt). Midlothian have blown hot and cold this season so are a bit surprised to find themselves become leading contenders to reach the playoff final however team manager Frank Gray is hopeful that his team now have the bit between their teeth. “A golden qualifying opportunity has landed in our lap out of the blue really and there is now strong incentive for the team to be fiercely competitive especially on our home carpet but it is crucial that we stay focused and deliver a strong performance”, said Gray. Midlothian’s win at home over three-in-a-row defending champions West Lothian was impressive but even so Gray has makes two change to his line up in the shape of Ryan Yuill and former Portobello star Andy Caldwell being recalled. Yuill comes in for Andy Kelly who is switched to the reserve bench while Caldwell replaces the unavailable Davy Munro. Rink 1. Jamie Aitken, Ian Fleming, Colin MacFarlane, Billy Peacock. Rink 2. Ian Forbes, AJ Knight, Andy Caldwell, Colin Walker. Rink 3. Neil Watson, Ryan Yuill, Kevin McDougall, and Ronnie Duncan. Rink 4. Jamie Macnab, Lindsay Plenderleith, Craig Hodge, and David Peacock (cpt).
West Lothian have lost the driving and still have a tough visit to Blantyre in their schedule but tomorrow the defending champions have the chance to stay in the race as they visit joint bottom placed Coatbridge. Stuart Johnston is introduced at the expense of George Sneddon who is moved to the reserve bench. Rink 1. Bryan Cooper, Dougie Mitchell, Paul O’Donnell, and Neil Speirs. Rink 2. Richard Mark, Stuart Johnston, Craig Moss, and Calum Logan. Rink 3. Paul Lynas, Raymond Logan, Jamie Gracie, and Mark Allison. Rink 4. Cameron Greer, Ian Drysdale, James Speirs, and Thomas Mann (cpt).
East Lothian have won three on the trot and having hit form have a strong chance of inflicting a first defeat on Aberdeen when they face the B section leaders at the Meadowmill stadium. Scott Logan and junior cap Ewan Fallen are kept on the sidelines in a team that reads, Rink 1. Lessel Middler, Gary Darling, Stewart Thomson, and Scott Kennedy. Rink 2. Gary Muir, Andy Burt, Graham Robertson, and Derek Oliver. Rink 3. Calvert Allison, Dougie Berwick, Willie Wood MBE, and Billy Mellors. Rink 4. Mark Johnston (cpt), Calum Darling, Andy Jeffrey, and Jamie Higgins.