Published: Thursday, 27th August, 2009 4:00am

Port Seton reign after rivals shock defeat

PORT Seton clinched the Division 1 title of the Credit Issues Scotland Ltd-sponsored East Lothian Leagues for the sixth time in seven years and they did it in great style, at home, with a crushing 8-0 demolition of foot-of-the-table Elphinstone.

Long-time leaders Castlepark were in pole position going into the final round of fixtures last Friday, but their title hopes were dashed after suffering a disastrous 6-2 loss at EL-Coop. EL-Coop escaped relegation after rivals Haddington slumped to a 6-2 defeat on home soil against Aberlady.

"We had both hands on the trophy and the title celebrations poised but we turned in our poorest performance of the season at the worst possible time, so we are devastated to have it snatched it away from us," summed up a Castlepark spokesman.

West Barns went into the last game still in with a chance of piping both Castlepark and Port Seton at the post, but a challenge never materialised as they were on the wrong end of an 8-0 thumping from former champions East Linton who finished a creditable fourth.

Meanwhile Tranent, who were idle, finished in third place.

Port Seton's title celebrations were sparked by wins for the rinks skipped by Steven Morgan, Craig Valentine and Derek Oliver. Morgan provided the drive and inspiration for his side as he skipped his rink to a 7-shot win over Steven Mackie.

Valentine also operated in a high gear as he skipped his rink to a 6-shot triumph over Peter Fallen, while Oliver was finding it hard against Robert 'Banger' Strang, but answered the pressure with a strong finish to skip his rink to a two-shot win.

"We knew we had to get maximum points then hope other results went our way and thankfully that's what happened and were ecstatic to be league champions once again," said a Port Seton spokesman.

Dunbar captured the Division 2 title in fine fashion with an 8-0 away win at Gifford, but the identity of which club will join them in the top flight remains in question as a rearranged fixture between Ormiston and North Berwick on Tuesday evening at Elphinstone would determine which club would clinch second place and also who would drop down the relegation trap door with Macmerry.

The champagne corks were popping at East Linton as there second string side were crowned Division 3 champions, and joining them in Division 2 next season will be West Barns A.

There were also celebrations at EL-Coop as they claimed the honours in Division 4 with Castlepark B grabbing runners-up spot. In the senior leagues, it's congratulation to West Barns after they captured the Division 1 title for the first time.

The most prestigious ELBA cup competition on the domestic outdoor calendar will reach its climax on Sunday as East Linton and Haddington host the ELBA Top Ten Championship (Jubilee Cup) finals day.

The line-up in the semi-finals is defending champions West Barns versus Tranent at Haddington, while at East Linton the host club tackle Division 2 outfit Prestongrange with both ties commencing at 12.30pm.

The final will be staged at East Linton at approximately 3pm with the eventual winners going on to represent East Lothian in the national equivalent next season.

Meanwhile ELBA officials have announced that the Courier Cup, which involves all the league champions, will be staged at Polson Park in

Tranent on Sunday, September 6.East Lothian Indoor Bowling Club opens its doors for the indoor season on Monday, September 6; opening times are 10am - noon and 6.30pm - 8.30pm for the first week then all day opening from Monday September 14.

The Top Four tournament begins on Monday September 21; all leagues have varying start dates from mid September onwards. Full details can be viewed on the notice boards at the stadium or on the website at www.elibc.co.uk from 1st September. Anyone who hasn't yet entered the Evening, Mixed, Morning or Ladies League should contact the match secretary on 07940004735 as soon as possible.

Draw for East Lothian Labour BC Open Pairs (3 bowl), sponsored by AC Taxis, at Polson Park tomorrow (Saturday) is as follows: 9.30am - D.Young, S.Buchanan (ELCO), J.Stevenson (W/Ford), L.McCrorie, P.Mair (Mac), A.Wyllie, C.Bonner snr, G.Duncan; 10.15am - G.Duncan jnr, J.Cochrane, P.Murray, A.Dodds, M.Martin, A.Martin, B.Hoggan, B.Thomson (ELCO), G.Blyth, K.Whitson, K.McShane, J.Rolland; 11.00am - K.Hoggan, A.Cunningham (W/Ford), J.Holmes, B.Higgins, J.Burnett (P/Grange), S.Blyth, R.Strang (Elph), J.Main.