EAST Lothian youngster Aaron Betts claimed his place in the semi-finals of the under-18 singles, after successive wins at last weekend’s Scottish Youth Indoor Bowling Playdowns at Abbeyview, writes Matt Osborne.

Convincing early wins (21-5 and 21-9) set up a showdown with home player Aaron Miller for a place in the last four.

Miller has himself emerged as a rising star, claiming pairs gold at the recent U18 internationals and looked set to offer Betts (pictured) his biggest test of the day.

However, it was to be the Craigentinny star who continued his early-morning form to seal his place in the finals weekend with an impressive 21-4 win.

Betts will head to the finals next month.

Meanwhile, East Lothian ladies found themselves on the wrong side of yet another narrow defeat in their Premier League match against East Fife.

A strong opening period saw East Lothian hold a 21-10 advantage at end five.

League leaders East Fife showed their intent to maintain their league position and levelled the match 44-44 by end 15.

With a crucial two points up for grabs, it would be East Fife to play the telling bowls and claim a 59-66 win and remain top of the league section, leaving the hosts rooted to the foot of the table and still seeking their first league win.

Both ladies’ and gents’ fours head to Abbeyview Indoor Bowling Club this weekend hoping to reach the semi-finals of the SIBA national fours competition.

Jamie Higgins, Scott Kennedy, Derek Oliver and Billy Mellors take on Fintry in the first round.

Meanwhile, Dee Hoggan, Mags Thomson, Yvonne Veitch and Janet Fairnie also face Fintry in the first round.

Both sides are scheduled for a 2pm start.