Published: Thursday, 24th July, 2008 8:00am

Blair's flair helps capture title

Print | Email

Runaway East Lothian League Division 2 leaders Haddington were cock-a-hoop last Sunday evening after they captured the ELBA Trophy with a hard-fought victory over Aberlady in an exciting final at Cockenzie and Port Seton Bowling Club.

Not for the first time in his illustrious career, Angus Blair was the hero for the Hi Hi"s as his brilliant last bowl tipped the scales in his side"s favour. His side eventually winning by 55-54.

In the earlier semi-final action, Haddington held off a determined challenge from North Berwick.

Aberlady proved too good for Tranent in the other tie.

In the East Lothian Leagues, the race for the prestigious Division 1 title looks to be between Port Seton and East Linton, following last Friday night"s action.

Port Seton"s 4-4 draw with West Barns kept the record five-in-a-row champions one point ahead of East Linton and six ahead of joint third-placed West Barns and EL-Coop at the top of the table.

East Linton"s maintained their challenge with an emphatic 6-2 home win over ELCo-op and are now strong favourites to claim the title for the first time in the new set-up.

They have a game in hand over Port Seton and also have the bonus of having home advantage in two of their final three fixtures.

Tranent"s prospects of playing its part in the title chase received a severe dent when they crashed to a 6-2 home defeat to high flying Castlepark.

Aberlady"s welcome 6-2 home win over foot-of-the-table Ormiston moved them 11 points clear of second bottom Macmerry.

In tonight"s (Friday"s) action, Division 1 leaders Port Seton make the short trip to tackle a Castlepark side currently at the top of their game.

Second placed East Linton will hope to make home advantage count when the play host to Aberlady.

Macmerry, who are fighting relegation, face a must-win game at foot of the table Ormiston.

Meanwhile, the title challenge will all but end for the losers in tonight"s eagerly awaited derby clash between EL-Coop and Tranent.

The Scottish under-25 trial team for Sunday, August 10 at Croftfoot Bowling Club in Glasgow has been announced.

It includes three East Lothian players: EL Co-op duo Paul McLaren and Mark Taylor along with David Sked of West Barns.

Mystery again surrounds the omission of Cockenzie and Port Seton ace Derek Oliver from the 44 players participating in the practice match.

For more stories and your full round up of what's happening in Haddington you can purchase the e-edition of the East Lothian Courier click here.