EAST Lothian Indoor Bowling Club are celebrating their very first U35 title after back-to-back wins at Headwell BC at the weekend.

Despite the wealth of talent that has passed through this age bracket over the years, this was one title to elude the East Lothian club.

The county claimed a place in the semi-finals earlier in the season to set-up a tie with Paisley.

The Sunday morning start did not seem to hinder the Garden County effort as they led on both rinks (8-4 and 9-4) through the opening eight ends.

Paisley, however, not to shirk away from efforts, rallied over the middle period to bring the game within four shots (13-9) (10-10).

Back-to-back counts of three and five for Glenn Blair provided a 10-shot cushion heading into the final eight ends of play, a cushion that was to prove necessary as once again the Paisley side rallied to score six of the remaining ends. However, it was East Lothian that were to prevail 30-28 winners and claim a spot in the afternoon final.

The highly decorated U35 side of East Kilbride provided the opposition for the final, both rinks containing a host of world title, British Isles and Scottish title holders within their ranks.

East Lothian were unphased by the task and were quickest out of the blocks, pushing to a halfway lead of three shots (8-13 and 13-5).

By end 14, the match was firmly in the balance as the overall score read 30-31 in East Lothian’s favour.

End 15 was to prove pivotal in the match as Glenn Blair and Dean Riva secured scoring ends to leave East Lothian six shots clear entering the last two ends of play.

East Kilbride levelled the match 36-36 and claimed the first two points as John Orr claimed an 18-14 win over Glenn Blair.

A single shot in the other match would be enough to claim a maiden title for the East Lothian side, a nervy last end providing the opportunity for Dean Riva to draw title winner.

Meanwhile, the 25th anniversary Jock Brodie final was due to be played yesterday (Wednesday).

East Lothian ‘A’ and Midlothian ‘A’ met in the most notable Jock Brodie final to date.

Both sides had excellent wins in the semi-finals, Midlothian overcoming reigning champions Perth in a close-run affair.

East Lothian claimed their place in the final after seeing off the challenge of Bainfield in the other semi-final.

With a high number of competitions, competitors and permutations for finalists, indoor match secretary Steven Clark has his work cut out trying to wrap up the 2022 season for East Lothian.

Several factors with clashes, dual finalists and rink space meant finals week got under way this week.

The showpiece singles final will take place this evening (Thursday) at 6.30pm as John McCrorie is hoping to claim his second indoor title, more than 25 years after his first. He takes on president Stuart Thomson for singles glory.

Tomorrow evening (Friday) at 6.30pm, Tanfield and Polton bowling clubs battle it out for the honour of the ‘top club’ trophy.

“With finals scheduled for the entire week, it would be great to see spectators throughout the evenings. 2021/22 has proven to be a hard task for even the most seasoned bowlers. Finals week is a culmination of a club effort,’’ Clark added.