Round Three of the Johnston Oils sponsored 18th West Lothian Masters ruled two more seeds out of contention for the Ł1000 title, and signature Green Jacket, with highly ranked Andrew Dunnett (3) of Queensferry and Bryan Cooper (9) of Bathgate both biting the dust
Read MoreDunnett is a Masters legend having captured the inaugural title in 1999 then adding a second Green Jacket in 2007 but the 42 year old showed little of that form in a crushing 21-6 defeat in 17-ends from dark horse challenger Adam Gilliland of Bankton Mains (Livingston).
Cooper reached the Masters final in 2008 and his CV title wins include the County Singles, Junior Open, and Junior District; but the 34-year old Champion of Champions finalist of last season failed to shine and was polished off 21-8 in 14-ends by David Lamb of Uphall Station. Lamb –like his opponent – is a player of Hamilton Trophy status and he made a blinder of a start to lead 9-3 after five ends and by end 12 had set Cooper up for the chop with the seed at his 18-6 mercy.
Eight of the original 16 seeds continued to make progress with Gary Smith (5) of Linlithgow dawdling in front at 15-5 but answering a growing menace at 16-13 to beat Brian Clarkson of Winchburgh, 21-16. Neil Speirs (4) of Kirkliston and 2014 gold medal fame answered questions at 15-15 with a 1, 3, 2 finish to beat Tam Whitfield of Glenmavis while the 37 year old was joined by his club mate Ray Logan (14) who landed a late 1, 2 to clinch a 21-16 win over Derek Logie of Linlithgow.
Ewan Shearer (6) of Bo’ness stepped up his bid to add to his 2001 Masters triumph with a 21-7 win over Paul White of Blackburn while 2014 Master, Brian Craig (7) of Glenmavis impressed at the 21-9 expense of his high profile club mate, Sandy McDougall. Ryan Miller (10) – last year’s runner up from Buchan Park – beat Eddie Caulfield of Bellsburn, 21-12, while Connor McKendrick (15) of Middleton Hall beat Jack McLaren of Glenmavis; and Grant Logan (2) of Kirkliston beat his club mate Andi Gray.