Musselbugh at home for Top Ten clash

By STEWART MEIKLE
Published on 26/05/2012 15:56

Musselburgh’s excellent 6-2 away win over Aberlady has earned the Midlothian champions a home bowls tie against Castle Douglas of Stewartry in tomorrows second round of the Inter County Top Ten.

Castle Douglas will arrive with an excellent reputation for sound play so spearhead figure Willie Rankin and his Musselburgh colleagues will have to be on their toes if progress to the semi-final stage at Colinton is to be made.

Holders, Kirkliston carried the West Lothian banner into the second round with a commanding 6-2 win at home to Kilbarchan of Renfrewshire.

Meanwhile, Edinburgh & Leith will continue their Cities & Counties campaign against Stirling East at Stenhousemuir this afternoon without the services of team captain Billy Mellors, who is unavailable. Team manager Willie Watson welcomes Paul O’Donnell, Ian Paterson, Alan Trotter, Colin Hutchison and Alan Brown back into the fold.

Midlothian have a home match against Fife at Newbattle and team boss Frankie Gray has major stars David Peacock and Graeme Archer back from their Australian trip. Colin McFarlane also returns.

West Lothian and West Fife ate both undefeated so it’s a massive clash at Lumphinnans and the visitors have Neil Speirs and Thomas Mann back after foreign trips.

East Lothian face Borders at Tranent and have Alex Marshall, Willie Wood, Derek Oliver, Grant Thomson, and Jamie Gordon back in the fold while Kenny McCrorie is recalled and Kern Gallacher given a debut.