FUTURE stars of East Lothian bowls represented the county at the national bowling centre in Ayr at the weekend in the Andy Houston Youth County Finals, writes Matt Osborne.
The youngsters made a winning start to the day, claiming victories in their opening two fixtures.
A 4-2 defeat in the afternoon meant they would take on Midlothian in the final game, requiring a 6-0 win to lift the trophy.
A strong showing from the youngsters saw them claim an impressive 4-2 win over Midlothian but miss out on the overall title.
With more than half the squad eligible for 2024 campaign, the future remains bright for the upcoming youths.
Closer to home, the East Lothian Knockout Cups saw Division One, Two, Three and Four winners crowned last weekend.
Tranent put their miserable league campaign behind them as they claimed the Division One Cup for the second successive season.
They were celebrating after securing a 42-32 win against Port Seton.
Meanwhile, in the Division Two Cup, newly-promoted champions Dunbar tackled Prestongrange in the final after seeing off Tranent in the semi-final. Prestongrange had edged their semi-final encounter with Macmerry by a single shot.
However, they could not replicate their early morning form against Dunbar, who collected a league and cup double for the 2023 season.
In the Division Three Cup, Prestongrange survived a late Haddington comeback in the morning semi-final before meeting East Linton in the afternoon final.
An early count of seven for East Linton skip George Cowan set the tone for East Linton as they ran out winners, despite Prestongrange claiming wins on two of the three rinks.
Finally, in the Division Four Cup, dual league champions Ormiston tackled West Barns in the closest of contests.
It was a match that would be decided on the very last bowl.
Ormiston would see their match-winning lie converted by West Barns skip Mal Holloway to see the advantage change hands.
Ormiston could not respond with their last delivery and fell agonisingly short in their quest for a league and cup double.
West Barns would go on to seal a 42-41 win.
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