THE East Lothian Indoor Bowling Club seniors finally secured progression to the knockout stages of their league campaign, finishing top of the section ahead of fellow qualifiers West Lothian, writes Matt Osborne.
A depleted squad knew that progression was a formality given the early-season results but headed to Midlothian looking for a rare double over the Dalkeith-based side.
The hosts were looking to overturn the narrow 65-56 loss they experienced last month and potentially claim a knockout place at the expense of West Lothian if they failed to win at Bainfield.
Midlothian asserted their home advantage and held leads on three of the rinks for the majority of the afternoon, with East Lothian holding a healthy lead on the other.
That lead would be shortened to just one come the end of the afternoon, with the home side running out 88-53 winners.
West Lothian won 66-55 at Bainfield to clinch the second qualifying spot.
East Lothian now progress to tackle north section runner-up Turriff on Wednesday, January 24, at Dundee Indoor Bowling Club.
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