ALARM bells are sounding in East Lothian bowling circles as the county team’s unpredictable form continues in the Scottish Counties Championship.

The seven-times former champions fell to their third section defeat in five games as they were beaten 133-115 by Midlothian at Haddington Bowling Club on Saturday.

That result was despite a 10-shot win for Billy Mellors – his triumph was the only win registered by the home team.

Rinks skipped by Billy Dunleavey (-11), Joe Mower (-10), Brian Young (-6) and Malcolm Higgenbotham (-1) all suffered defeats, while Steven Morgan drew 20-20.

Team captain Malcolm Higgenbotham said that it was a “very disappointing result considering what was at stake”.

He added: “The game was not a classic and could have gone either way at the halfway stage, but Midlothian stepped up a higher gear when it really mattered.

“We must think ahead and look for positives in the last two games.”

East Lothian travel to Buchan Park BC in Broxburn this Saturday to face table-toppers West Lothian.

The selectors make five personnel changes to the line-up, resulting in Craig Valentine, Scott Kennedy, Dean Riva, David Sked and Marc McCormack all returning at the expense of Steven Anderson, David Whitson, Joe Mower, Kevin Cunningham and James McDonagh.

Team: C. Dick (Hadd), G. Pryde (ELCO), S. Mackie (ELCO), B. Young (ELCO) skip; M. Greenan (C&PS), G. Baillie (C&PS), B. Dunleavey (Aber), S/ Morgan (C&PS) skip; M. McCormack (Win), J. Blair (Hadd), G. White (Aber), S. Kennedy (C&PS) skip; C. Johnston (Win), T. Young (Dun), S. Cochrane (Elph), C. Valentine (C&PS) skip; D. Young (ELCO), D. Riva (ELCO), D. Sked (Hadd), B. Mellors (Hadd) skip; A. Burt (Hadd), G. McNab (Hadd), S. Thomson (Hadd), M. Higgenbotham (Hadd) skip/capt.

Any player selected who is unable to play or is unsure of travel arrangements is requested to contact team captain Malcolm Higgenbothan immediately on 07761 101438.

Players report at Buchan Park BC by no later than 1.15pm.