Alan Young was in Scottish Masters finals action last Sunday having qualified for this stage earlier in the season. International Andrew Thomson from Aberdeen was Alan’s opponent in the quarter final and this was an excellent, high quality game.
Read MoreThe gents atoned for their heavy defeat at Blantyre and got back on the winning trail at home to Lanarkshire in Premier League action last Saturday with an 86-65 win. The gents opened up an early double figure lead and despite Lanarkshire fighting back strongly on more than one occasion as they fought for their Premier League survival they were never able to get within single figures and threaten the Garden County men. Top scorers on the day were the rink of Scott Kennedy who recorded a nine shot win over John Simpson, closely followed by Billy Mellors and his rink who defeated Robert Gordon by eight. The rink of Derek Oliver were involved in a tight tussle with Gary Neilson throughout but came out on top by four shots whilst Joe Mowers rink found themselves five down with three to play, however, a strong finish seen them peel their game. The gents are next in action at home to Abbeyview on the 30th as the Scottish Fours play-offs take place this week when the four of Jamie Higgins, Scott Kennedy, Derek Oliver and Billy Mellors travel to Lanarkshire aiming to qualify for the national semi-finals. They commence their campaign in the first round proper at 2pm on Saturday against Balbardie. Its congratulations to Derek Oliver, Billy Mellors, Joe Mower and Scott Kennedy who have been selected for an international trial on the 1st December at Stirling. Alex Marshall MBE is unavailable for the trial, however, will obviously be considered for the team also.
The Ladies were also in action last week and recorded a 67-46 victory away to Bainfield to atone for their opening game defeat. Joint top scorers were the rinks of Dee Hoggan and Janet Fairnie who produced excellent ten shot wins and the clean sweep of rink wins was confirmed when Yvonne Veitch and her rink scored a four at the last end to win by a shot. The ladies are not in action again until the 14th December due to them having a free week as well as Scottish Fours and Triples play-offs. The ladies four in action this weekend are Hazel Fender, Mags Thomson, Yvonne Veitch & Janet Fairnie and they also travel to Lanarkshire for a 2pm start against the home carpet four. The ladies international trial also takes place on the 1st December and whilst it’s congratulations to Dee Hoggan on her inclusion it has to be disappointing that only Dee has been selected for this given the ladies Scottish Cup win of last season.
The Garden County Senior brigade were due to be in action on Wednesday when they travelled to face Midlothian to try and avenge the defeat they suffered earlier in the season. Midlothian’s defeat to Falkirk means that East Lothian now top the table from Midlothian on shots, therefore a win would obviously go a long way in helping the Auld Yins win the section. The team selected for this crucial fixture is: P Fallen, K Fender, G Gray & T Young (Skip & Captain) ,L Middler, R Steele, D Berwick & G Robertson ,B J Smith, D Pryde, A McKenna & A Burt ,R Douglas, B Johnston, A Russell & W W Wood MBE 5th rink K Boyd, D Hogg, J P Hamilton & D McGill, Reserves A Valentine, R Maguire & J Neilson.
On Saturday our youths will be looking to make it three titles in a row as they take part in the Midlothian Tournament at Dalkeith and the two rinks selected to retain the trophy are: L Kennedy, E Gillies, L Rafferty & A Betts (Skip), C Henderson, L Cowan, B Riva & K Dodds
Due to the unavailability of coaches and the above tournament there will be no youth session at 8am on Saturday. Several of our youths have also been successful in international trial selection with Aaron Betts, Kieran Dodds, Beth Riva, Callum Henderson, Lennon Rafferty and Logan Kennedy all travelling to Abbeyview on Sunday hoping to make it through to a second trial for the SYIBA national team.
The popular Hat Games are in full flow at Meadowmill and are open to both members and non-members. They are held on Monday mornings at 10-12, Tuesday afternoons at 2-4 and Saturday afternoon at 12-2 with a cost of £3.20 to members and £4.20 to non-members including 20p towards the prize pot.