West Lothian IBC will contest the final of the Scottish Cup this weekend against fellow premier league opposition in the shape of East Lothian at Paisley IBC on Saturday having walked a tightrope to edge a 77-76 thriller against Blantyre in the semi finals.
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The stars from the Inveralmond stadium were in danger of losing to Blantyre for the third time this season so will be over the moon at reaching the cup final and with it the chance to etch the West Lothian name on the silverware for a sixth time. If successful in doing so they will be equalling the record six wins of their East Lothian rivals who have earned the chance of making it ‘a magnificent seven’ by beating Midlothian 79-68 in the other semi final.
Meanwhile there will be a huge sigh of relief in both camps that the recent draw for the 2015/16 sections of the premier league has kept them apart with West Lothian set to oppose Lanarkshire, Arbroath, Midlothian, Blantyre, and Paisley. It’s an A section that look much tougher than B involving East Lothian in competition with Bainfield, Ayr, Falkirk, Abbeyview, and Aberdeen.
Balbardie IBC gents is set to operate in the A section of Division 1 where the long journey north to Turriff is offset by more affordable cost wise travels to Perth, Stirling, Alloa, and Coatbridge.
The East B section of the Seniors League involves both West Lothian and Balbardie and the embracing of Bainfield, East Lothian, Midlothian, Teviotdale, and Tweedbank is likely to be welcomed by officials and players of both clubs.
There will also be local derby clashes in the Ladies League with Balbardie and West Lothian set to parade their respective talents in the C section of Division 1 and in competition with Bainfield, East Lothian, Teviotdale, and Tweedbank.