The competitive action in the East Coast Carpets sponsored East Lothian Leagues got underway in cold and wet conditions last Friday evening and reigning Division 1 champions Haddington hit the ground running in fine style with a convincing 6-2 home win over newly promoted Dunbar.
Former world stage star Angus Blair and his son Jamie provided the shine on the Haddington performance after skipping their rinks to victories over Steven Duncan and Peter Duncan respectively while county star Glenn Blair lost out to a wonder last bowl delivery from Tommy Young. Last season’s runners-up and former five-in-a-row champions Cockenzie and Port Seton suffered a stuttering start as they went down 6-2 at current Top Ten champions West Barns. Tranent served notice on the opening week that they could be a force to be reckoned this season after they registered an eye-catching 6-2 away win at arch rivals EL-Coop. Gifford also excelled on the opening week as they used home advantage to good effect to inflict 6-2 pain on East Linton while in the all Castlepark battle in Prestonpans it was the first team who came out on top with a 6-2 triumph over their second string side (Castlepark A). In Division 2, Prestongrange enhanced their title favourites status with a stunning 8-0 away victory at Cockenzie & Port Seton A while Tranent A, E L Labour, Elphinstone and Aberlady all enjoyed 6-2 wins over East Linton A, EL-Coop A, North Berwick and Longniddry respectively. Haddington A opened their account in Division 3 with an 8-0 win over Haddington B while Ormiston also enjoyed an opening week win following a 6-2 triumph at Athelstaneford. Prestongrange A registered a 5-3 home win over Wallyford while the clash between Macmerry and Cockburnspath was a ding dong affair before both teams settled for a 4-4 scoreline. In Division 4, Cockenzie & Port Seton B enjoyed a 7-1 success at Castlepark B while there was 6-2 wins for Prestongrange B and Dunbar A over Stenton and Aberlady A respectively. In the other clash played Dirleton and West Barns shared the spoils in a 4-4 draw.
The action in Division 1 continues tonight (Friday) and a cracking encounter looks in prospect at Gifford when they play host to defending champions Haddington. The home side made a cracking deadline day signing late last week to capture the services of ex Haddington player John White and he is expected to line-up against his former club tonight. A mouth-watering clash should be enjoyed at West Barns where EL-Coop are the visitors while Tranent make the trip up the A1 to tackle East Linton. Cockenzie & Port play host to Castlepark B while Castlepark entertain Dunbar.
Just a reminder that all club secretaries are requested to ensure that all league and cup results, including shots aggregate score, are phoned into ELBA Match Secretary Keith Fender on 01620 860217 or via text message 07786 110416 immediately after each match.
Turning attention to the up and coming Scottish Counties Championship campaign and it has been confirmed that tomorrow’s (Saturday) proposed practice match at Haddington BC has been cancelled. After receiving player nominations from all member clubs newly appointed team manager Ian Bell will decide on his final 24 man line-up later on this week and this will be posted onto the East Lothian Hamilton Trophy Team Facebook page on Monday evening. Any player(s) who did not put their name forward via their respective club but would now like to be considered should contact ELBA Secretary Kevin Blackie immediately with their nomination.
Meanwhile newly appointed East Lothian Under 25 team manager Stevie Greenan is calling on clubs to forward on names of players who would like to be considered for selection for the forthcoming Scottish Under 25 League Cup campaign. Names should be submitted to ELBA Secretary Kevin Blackie before Sunday evening by phone or e-mail.
Finally you can now keep up-to-date with all that is happening on the outdoor bowling scene in the garden county by following the website by East Lothian Bowling Association. All bowlers are urged to view by clicking on www.eastlothianbowls.co.uk