Bainfield’s win sets up tight finish

Bainfield ladies hauled themselves back into contention for winning the qualifying race in Division 1C of the national leagues with a more convincing than expected 20 shot victory (87-67) over East Lothian at the Hutchison Crossway stadium.

East Lothian had won the first clash by a handsome 31 shots at Tranent and, as pre-campaign favourites for section honours, were expected to do the double. This defeat, however, leaves them two points off the pace and adrift of West Lothian, Bainfield, and Portobello.

Bainfield’s cause has been greatly helped by the defeat of table-toppers West Lothian, who were brought back to the chasing pack when a late collapse cost them a narrow 78-73 defeat at Portobello.

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Portobello have an inferior shot margin of -19 compared to the +68 and +56 of West Lothian and Bainfield respectively, but are certainly back in the hunt with Bainfield at home and Teviotdale away the climax to their programme.

Bainfield will finish away to foot of the table Tweedbank, while West Lothian are at home to Teviotdale before facing a formidable visit to East Lothian, who first visit Tweedbank.

East Lothian remain “abune them aw” on shot margin with a massive +154, so could still get up at the post to win what is an exciting four-horse race.

Bainfield excelled on the middle phase of their match against East Lothian, with their 34-20 superiority supported by battling 22-19 and 31-28 advantages either side of it.

Marion Dixon made telling space from 10-12 to 18-12, then included a mighty 5 at end 19 as she skipped Susan Brown, Sheila Grigor and Hazel Crombie to a 24-14 win over Betty Ford.

Ann Watson conceded two 5s but also carded two for herself and captured a magnificent 7 into the bargain as she skipped Karen Tumblety, Dorothy Barclay and Kathleen Barr to a 30-21 win over Nancy McNeil.

Anna Anderson included a super 6 as she skipped Aimee Robertson, Kate McVey and Theresa Blair from 0-4 to 14-4 then on to a 19-12 win over Janet Fairnie; however Kathryn O’Donnell lost 20-14 to Emma Brown.

Meanwhile Portobello produced an 18-7 surge over the final two ends snatch a five-shot victory over West Lothian, while Rita Reid was the hero figure as she skipped Yvonne Nicolson, Yvonne Keenan, and Nicola Barclay to a 3, 5 finish against Wendy Purdie.