Jamie Aitken raised expectations in the West Lothian IBC camp when the Junior Champion from The Inveralmond Stadium produced a strong performance to beat the reigning World Champion in the first round of the Scottish Championship played at Arbroath.
Read MoreAitken’s opening match was the toughest of tests against Welsh import Joe Mower of East Lothian IBC but the talented banner carrier of the Livingston based club passed with flying colours in the shape of registering a commanding 21-10 victory.
Aitken – capped at Under 25 level under the banner of former clubs Bainfield and Midlothian – was however competing in a hot bed section of the draw and his second round opponent was also a young player of high reputation. Jason Banks of Garioch entered his clash with Aiken boasting an impressive international record of 12 junior and 3 senior caps in addition to reaching the final of the 2014 singles proper.Aitken came off second best having suffered a 21-10 defeat; but it was the turn of Banks to come a cropper in the quarterfinals where he was just touched off in a 21-19 battle against Andrew Thomson of Aberdeen.The final stages take place at West Lothian IBC over the weekend of January 7/8 with the semi final line up featuring, Jack Macnab of Midlothian against Mark O’Hagan of Blantyre; and Thomson versus John Orr of East Kilbride.
The equivalent championship of the ladies also took place last weekend but sadly both West Lothian IBC and Balbardie IBC were unable to field a challenger, The semi final qualifiers emerged as Kim Hoggan of East Lothian versus Carla Banks of Garioch; and Emma McIntyre of Dumbarton versus Stephanie Wallace of Auchinleck.
Meanwhile match number three in the ladies East Premier Division saw Balbardie get their campaign off the mark with a commanding 23 shot victory (99-76) over Abbeyview at Bathgate.
West Lothian IBC ladies parade their skills in East Division 1 and they also broke their duck at the third attempt, and did so in spectacular style at the 105-45 expense of Headwell at Livingston.
This weekends fixtures pitches Balbardie away to East Lothian at Tranent; and West Lothian entertaining Tweedbank at the Inveralmond Stadium.
Play also resumes in the gents national leagues and the visit of leaders East Lothian to tackle Balbardie at Bathgate in Premier Division B represents a huge challenge for the home side, and is a major attraction worthy of a visit.
West Lothian make the long journey North to tackle Turriff and the stars from The Inveralmond Stadium are seeking to stay top of the table by extending their undefeated run to four.