THE four league divisions of East Lothian bowls returned to the greens last Friday as they began their 2024 outdoor campaigns, writes Matt Osborne.

East Lothian Co-Op claimed the top spot in Division One last season and looked to kick off their defence as they tackled derby rivals Tranent.

However, the reigning champions went down to a surprise 8-0 defeat in what proved a difficult start for the title holders.

Last year’s runners-up Port Seton claimed an opening-night win as they enjoyed a narrow away victory at West Barns.

Ormiston and Haddington were the other winners on opening day, recording 6-2 wins against Dunbar and Aberlady respectively.

East Linton and Prestongrange shared the points 4-4 in the remaining fixture.

Meanwhile, in Division Two, Elphinstone will be looking for a return to the top flight next season following their relegation.

They posted a sizeable 8-0 win against Port Seton A to kickstart their promotion quest.

Prestongrange A, Castlepark and Tranent A all won 6-2 in their opening fixtures, while Winton and Haddington drew.

East Linton A and Port Seton B recorded perfect eight-point wins in Division Three, while Dunbar hit Ormiston A for seven points.

Longniddry registered a 6-2 win over Gifford, and Athelstaneford and Pathhead could not be separated by any less in their encounter, both leaving with four points.

Finally, it was draws galore in Division Four as Gullane, Gullane A, Tranent B and Haddington B shared the points 4-4.

West Barns A took six points on the road at Dirleton while Aberlady A took the maximum points on offer at home to Castlepark B to top the table at the end of week one. Macmerry A play Prestongrange C at a later date due to a rearrangement.

Ali Carswell and Olivia Preston clinched the ladies pairs title

Ali Carswell and Olivia Preston clinched the ladies' pairs title

Elsewhere, Deaf Bowls Scotland held the finals of their 2023/24 indoor competitions at Bainfield Bowling Club, with East Lothian represented in the mixed pairs, ladies’ pairs and gents’ fours.

The morning session saw Ali Carswell and David Carswell face off against the Fife pairing of Darren Couper and Ally Dean.

A tight and low-scoring affair throughout saw the East Lothian duo trailing 10-9 as they entered the last end of play.

Dave Carswell moved the jack to his own bowl with his last delivery to lie a minimum of an extra end and a possible match-winning lie.

Ultimately, it was in the hands of the umpire as the East Lothian bowl was removed first to hand them the win 11-10 in a dramatic fashion.

Ali Carswell then teamed up with Olivia Preston in the ladies’ pairs against the renowned pairing and current holders from Tayside, Pam and Kim Bruce.

The pairs could not be separated in the regulation time and were locked at 10-10.

Ian Preston, Nigel Turnbull, Dave Carswel and Paul Conway were narrowly edged out as they looked for an impressive treble

Ian Preston, Nigel Turnbull, Dave Carswel and Paul Conway were narrowly edged out as they looked for an impressive treble

The extra end saw Preston lying two excellent shots, Carswell adding a third to claim the title 13-10.

Finally, the hopes of the East Lothian treble rested on the gents’ fours and they made all the early running against the highly experienced Aberdeen side.

However, a resurgent Aberdeen roared back and the sides were level at 13-13 with just three ends to play.

East Lothian trailed by two shots playing the last and were facing a shot against, with Paul Conway searching to remove the Aberdeen bowl to force yet another extra end.

However, there was to be no fairytale ending as he agonisingly failed with his last running effort.