Scotland star Derek Oliver produced a series of master-class performances to capture the ELBA Champion of Champions title at Haddington BC last Saturday and the 31 year old was etching his name on the trophy for a second time.
Oliver conjured up four mega-magic displays that earned him a special acclaim from a decent sized banking that were enthralled and at times hypnotized by his exciting range of expert skills. Cockenzie & Port Seton’s record breaking champion was indeed the supreme artist in a 21 strong field of East Lothian club champions and brushed off the challenges of John White (Gifford), John Hogg (Castlepark), Daniel Peart (Longniddry) and John McCrorie of Tranent. “I am thrilled to bits to win this coveted title for a second time and it has given me a huge confidence boost ahead of having a crack at the national singles next season”, said a jubilant Oliver.
The final was all over in a quick 15-ends yet it was a classic encounter with defending champion McCrorie serving up some good stuff but overshadowed by the fantastic form of Oliver who kept the watching banking spellbound with a brilliant display to win 21-8. The earlier semi-final action was also of an excellent standard with Oliver having to dig deep at times to overcome Longniddry champion Daniel Peart, 21-16 while McCrorie held most of all the aces in a 21-13 win over host club champion Angus Blair.
Meanwhile the champagne corks were also popping in the Cockenzie & Port Seton club last Thursday evening after their senior brigade won the ELBA John McDonald League Cup tournament for the first time with a convincing victory over defending champions East Lothian Labour in the final played at Haddington BC.
The curtain falls on the ELBA competitive season tomorrow (Saturday) as four clubs battle it out for the final silverware of this outdoor season, as EL-Coop BC in Tranent hosts the Courier Cup finals day. The draw for the end of season tournament took place last weekend and paired Division 1 champions Tranent against champions of Division 3 Haddington A while the other semi-final features Division 2 champions Prestongrange against Division 4 champions Cockenzie & Port Seton B. The semi-finals get underway at 12.30pm with the final expected to commence at approximately at 3pm.
The East Lothian Ladies Champion of Champions was held in glorious sunshine at Longniddry Bowling Club recently. Megan Kilvin of EL-Coop capped off her excellent season by becoming the youngest player to win the singles title with a convincing 21-8 victory over Dawn Murdoch of East Linton.
In a closer contest the East Linton Pair of Hazel Fender and Jennifer Newlands had a narrow 14-12 victory over the North Berwick 
pairing of Gill Harley and Sheila Williamson.
The triples was contested by Janet Fairnie, Jean Russell and Margaret Thomson of Castlepark and Edith Connolly, Maureen Lorimer and Irene Robertson of North Berwick with the ladies of Castlepark 
taking the title 19-9.
In the final of the fours Essa Baillie, Ella Gorman, Beth McDonald and Lauren Baillie of Cockenzie & Port Seton edged out Diane Moyes, Tracy Jack, Derry McKillop and Yvonne Veitch of EL-Coop by 18-15.
Garden county legend Stewart Johnston has been crowned king of Ormiston Bowling Club for a sixth time after he defeated Dan Rowley 21-17 in the championship singles final. Gordon Blyth reigned supreme in the East Lothian Labour championship singles final while Tommy Moffat claimed the senior singles title.
East Lothian Labour Club is staging an Open Triples tournament at their Polson Park HQ on Wednesday (September 23) with the first round of games getting underway at 10am. Entries are now being accepted and should be submitted to Ian Anderson by calling 07739 079756.
Turning attention to the indoor season and East Lothian Indoor Bowling Club is now open for business on a full-time basis with a leagues and competitions getting underway from this coming Monday. The ever popular Hat Games begin commence tomorrow (Saturday) from 12-2pm and will also be staged on Monday’s 10am-12noon and Tuesdays 2-4pm. Entries are now being accepted for the Top Club tournament which will be staged from November onwards with all matches taking place on Friday evenings during the 6.30-8.30pm session. Each team will consist of 3 rinks and is open to both male and females of all ages. Entry fee is £20.00. Membership fees must be paid by September 30.
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