The East Lothian Ladies made history last Saturday when they became the first Garden County ladies team to win a team trophy when they defeated Glasgow to claim the Scottish Cup. Victory was even sweeter given it was Glasgow who defeated them in the final of the League last year. The game, held at Abbeyview, was a cagey affair to start with and remained quite tight for the first seven ends.
The rink of Megan Kivlin, Margaret Murray, Dee Hoggan and Yvonne Veitch were 2-7 behind early on in their game against Lorna Cameron’s rink, however, this only spurred them on and the opposing rink could not cope with the bowls of the East Lothian four from then on as they only lost three more shots to win 29-10. Melissa Penman, Mags Thomson, Emma Logan and Janet Fairnie were in unstoppable form throughout against June Marshall’s rink, and ran out comprehensive 22-10 winners.
The rink of Jackie McFarlane, Beth Riva, Gillian Mackintosh and Lauren Baillie-Whyte were involved in a close high class match against the rink of internationalist Natalie Docherty which could have gone either way although Natalie won the game with her last bowl to edge it 17-18. The winning team along with reserves Jean Russell and Pat Turner are pictured.
Team manager and selector Gordon Pryde who has turned the fortunes of the ladies team around over the past two seasons was over the moon and made the following statement – “To be involved with this team has been an honour as every player has been committed and made selection difficult, as everyone of the ladies is desperate to play. A massive well done to the ladies as they deserve this significant triumph”.
Last Friday night the Top Club final and a Tranent derby took place between Tranent and East Lothian Co-Op and it was Tranent who emerged victorious and earned the bragging rights over their neighbours. The game was close at half way with the overall score level after eleven ends however Tranenet pulled away on each rink over the final stages of the game to win comprehensively. Graham Robertson’s rink were 7-12 down to Dean Riva after 11 ends, however, they turned the game on its head over the next five ends and won 19-13. John McCrorie skipped his rink into an early 11-5 lead and never looked back as they defeated Gordon Pryde 18-14. Finally Matt Osborne and his rink were never headed after the fifth end and ran out 16-11 winners over the rink of Dougie Berwick. The winning team are pictured.
The first finals of finals week were played on Monday night at the Alex Marshall Arena and the following were the results: Under 18 Singles – Danny Stevenson 13 v 21 Aaron Betts ,Under 13 Singles – Logan Kennedy 15 v 21 Lennon Rafferty Division 1 Final – Dean Riva 13 v 14 Mark Johnston ,Division 1 Play-Off – J Fairnie 15 v 16 P Fallen, Gents Triples – J Mower 23 v 20 A Burt
The remaining schedule for the remainder of the week was as follows: 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 Senior Pairs – Andy Burt v Willie Wood MBE
Wednesday 10th April Youth Pairs – Daryl Grieve & Aaron Betts v Daniel Kivlin & Lewis Betts, Ladies Junior Singles – Megan Kivlin v Beth Riva, Kiwi Quaich Final – G Walker v S Tuite, Team Championship Triples – T Young v D W Currie, Ladies Two Bowl Singles – Mags Thomson v Janet Fairnie
Thursday 11th Gents Pairs – Mark Johnston & Willie Wood MBE v Scott Kennedy & Billy Mellors, Ladies Pairs – Arlene Berwick & Melissa Penman v Leanne Baillie & Lauren Baillie-Whyte, Ladies Two Bowl Pairs – Emma Logan & Janet Fairnie v Mags Thomson & Yvonne Veitch, Gents Two Bowl Pairs – Peter Fallen & Danny Stevenson v Lessel Middler & Stevie Clark
Friday 12th is Singles finals night and the finals scheduled are as follows: Ladies Senior Singles – Janet Fairnie v Mags Thomson, Gents Senior Singles – Alistair McKenna v Lessel Middler, Ladies Singles – Yvonne Veitch v Beth Riva, Gents Junior Singles – Lewis Betts v Chris Brock
Unfortunately Billy Mellors has business commitments so the Gents singles final where he faces Chris Fallen has been re-arranged for Friday 19th April.
The Jock Brodie Seniors Challenge Trophy Sponsored by N T Craig, Tom Young Plumbing & Electrical Services and Colin Glen Roofing seen Section “B” played last Wednesday when East Lothian were up against Midlothian in a game which resulted in a 4-4 draw. The other game between Tweedbank and Perth seen Perth triumph 5-3. Midlothian topped the group with 24 points and Perth also qualified with 23 points. The semi-finals were due to take place at 11am on Wednesday 10th April between Abbeyview and Midlothian and Bainfield versus Perth. The Final of this event is scheduled for Wednesday 17th April.
Some of the East Lothian outdoor clubs opened their greens last weekend, however, the vast majority of them will be opening this weekend so if you’re at a loose end pop along to your local green to see what the outdoor game is all about.
All Match Secretaries have also received their league and cup dates for the year with the East Coast Carpet League Divisions One to Four due to start on Friday 26th April.
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