EAST Lothian bowlers’ chances of qualification from their east league section of the Hamilton Trophy remain alive after a gritty performance at Dunbar Bowling Club on Saturday, writes Matt Osborne.
After a strong performance in the Borders the previous week, team manager Billy Dunleavy was hopeful of a repeat showing against West Fife.
A sun-soaked Dunbar looked to be the perfect conditions to replicate, although a rise in wind speed made for a chilly start to proceedings.
West Fife raced from the traps and held a strong 10-shot lead.
By end five, that gap had increased to 22 shots.
However, a quick response from the home side soon had them level and they passed the visitors by end 10; a further push from the home side saw them increase their lead to 30+ shots.
As expected, high-flying West Fife had a response of their own, reducing arrears to 10 late on.
However, East Lothian held all the aces over the closing stages and ran out 130-108 winners.
Lennon Rafferty and Logan Kennedy drop out of this Saturday’s Hamilton Trophy squad, as both attend the under-18 trial this weekend.
Both have enjoyed a run in the senior team this season and go forward with strong hopes of pulling on the Scotland jersey.
The squad now welcome Edinburgh to the county tomorrow (Saturday).
East Linton hosts the Hamilton Trophy match, with the rearranged time of a noon start.
Meanwhile, 10 bowlers with East Lothian connections will be considered by Bowls Scotland ahead of two international series later this year.
The under-18 international trial takes place at Ayr’s National Centre for Bowling tomorrow (Saturday).
Those successful will go on to represent Scotland at the under-18 International Series at RTB Ebbw Vale Bowling Club in Wales on August 5-6.
As well as Rafferty (EL Co-op) and Kennedy (Port Seton), Logan Shields (EL Co-op) is also among the county representatives.
The under-25 international trial takes place the following day in Ayr.
On the male side, East Lothian’s Aaron and Lewis Betts (Craigentinny), Kieran Dodds and Danny Stevenson (EL Co-op) and Dean Riva (Gifford) will join Kennedy in aiming to impress.
Emma Blyth (Tranent) and Beth Riva (Gifford) have been selected for the trial on the female side.
Those chosen will head to Llandrindod Wells Bowling Club in Wales for the under-25 international series on September 16-17.
Both competitions will be contested between Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales.
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