Tonight’s headline clash in the second round of fixtures in Division 1 of the Alpha Trophies sponsored Edinburgh Bowling League features six times champions Tanfield at home to record holding seven times king pins Craigentinny.
Read MoreIt is a major test for both clubs’ as newly promoted Tanfield are on a mission to re-establish their reputation after a shock spell in Division 2 while Craigentinny could only finish third in last seasons poor defence of the 2014 title. “The intense rivalry between both our clubs is part of the EBL tradition so no prisoners will be taken by either team and the revival of the fixture brings back an extra dimension of interest in what is always a highly competitive division” said Tanfield spokesman Robert White.
One interesting measure of the current relative strength of the two teams is that in terms of Hamilton Trophy status there are six Craigentinny players in the Edinburgh & Leith team competing in The Cities and Counties Championship. These are, Craig McCall, Scott Rogers, Josh Spalding, Gordon Bold, Andrew Caldwell, and Daniel Gormley.
Tanfield have two stars on parade in the shape of Liam McKay and Mal Higgenbotham while Andy McNab and Stuart Campbell are knocking on the door with places on the reserve bench.
Craigentinny are traditionally slow starters in their league campaigns but spokesman Stuart Betts says “We are encouraged by a 7-2 win at home to Hillside in our opening game and although away to Tanfield the nature of the fixture suggests we will be on our toes earlier in the season than is normal for us”.
Legend figure Willie Paul continues to parade his skills for Tanfield in the top echelon of the EBL and the 24 times capped 1984 Scottish Singles Champion plays tonight in a rink that welcomes back former E&L star Scott Wood. Rink 1. Calum Munro, Willie Paul, Scott Wood, and Stuart Campbell. Rink 2. James Smith, Alex Thompson, Derek McLean, and Andy McNab. Rink 3. Fraser Wood, Peter Findlay, Chatlie McLaren, and Robert White. Rink 4. Neil Hunter, Graeme Swan, Liam McKay, and David Snodgrass.
The Craigentinny line up is; Rink 1. Kevin Hunter, Scott Duncan, Kevin McFarlane, and Willie McDonald. Rink 2. Darren Smith, Davie Brown, Ian Paterson, and Andy Caldwell. Rink 3. Craig McCall, Stuart Betts, Gordon Bold, and Andy Jeffrey. Rink 4. Josh Spalding, Gary Nisbet, Scott Rogers, and Daniel Gormley.
Elsewhwere, defending champions Parkside visit Northern; newly promoted Pilrig entertain last seasons runners up, Queensberry; Hillside host Maitland Maitland.