Morayshire Indoor Bowling Association leagues gather pace as village sides Duffus and Alves hit top form
In the latest matches in the Morayshire Indoor Bowling Association, leaders Hopeman B hosted Bishopmill in the latest round of division two fixtures.
Sandy Grant scored a single shot on the last end to tie his game at 8-8. Willie Robertson led 9-7 for the Elgin club after eight ends, and Ross Tripp finished strongly for the hosts to win 15-9.
Craig Fletcher won another close encounter 10-9 for the visitors and Ron Garrow counted four shots on the final end to tie the overall scores at 42 shots apiece and three points each.
Fogwatt took home advantage against Forres Royal British Legion with three out of the four games separated by a single shot. A crucial 12-9 win for the home club allowed them to claim five points with the Legion gaining a consolation point.
Forres Victoria were also involved in a terrific contest at home to Lossie Bowling Club’s ‘A’ team. The coastal club took a seven-shot advantage after the first session while Forres won both second session matches, Paul Coutts winning margin of eight shots enough to gain overall victory and four points for the hosts.
Duffus took control of their home match with Lossiemouth to open up a 33-shot first session margin. Davy Clarihew and Gibby Philips made it a clean sweep for the village club as they collected six points and top spot in the division.
In the first division, leaders Lossie BC hosted coastal rivals Hopeman A with James Morrison and Philip McPherson giving the away club a handy advantage after the first session winning 21-15 and 11-8.
The leaders were not to be denied with skips Rod Sutherland and George Jack turning things around to win 13-7 and 17-6 to secure four points and a narrow lead at the top of the league.
Alves led by 16 shots after the first session at home to champions Burghead, Martin Taylor and Gordon Gallagher both winning. They also emerged victorious in both second session games with Mike Anderson and Colin Taylor in impressive form as they look to mount a title challenge.
Moray BC kept up their challenge away to Lhanbryde, Ralph Smith and Arron Robb winning close first session matches 10–9 and 10–7. The home club were dominant in the second session with Robert Wildgoose and Mark Wright both in impressive form winning 13–6 and 18–8 for overall victory and four points.
Fochabers were always in command at home to bottom club Birnie and ran out convincing winners by 67 shots to 27 shots, Stuart Gerrard in particular putting in a strong performance.
