Bowls: Tanfield to push Alpha title charge

Scott Wood is an enforced absentee and is replaced by Stuart Thompson, although a positional reshuffle will take place that elevates Willie Paul to third for Graham Munro.

Defending champions Craigentinny are some 8 points off the pace but will be close to full strength at home to Wardie and skips Willie McDonald, Gordon Bold, Ian Paterson and Andy Jeffrey will hope for a result that keeps Tanfield in their sights.

Pilrig are at home to Leith in a relegation zone battle while title hopefuls Parkside have a battle on their hands away to strong home performers Hillside.

Division 2 leaders Northern are at home to Maitland while Niddrie entertain Corstorphine, Dudley welcome Dean and Queensberry host Willowbrae.

Meanwhile, Bainfield have hit the top of the Water of Leith 1st Sixteens league table with 34 points from ten games but Juniper Green are only a fraction of a point behind, while two points further adrift come Carrick Knowe. Juniper's 3-2 defeat at Balerno proved costly as Bainfield became the new leaders with their 3-2 home win over Sighthill while defending champions Carrick Knowe had to settle for a 3 to 1 win at home to Currie.

Tonight's 11th round of fixtures in the 18-match programme finds Bainfield away to Currie, Juniper Green at home to Slateford and Carrick Knowe visiting Beechwood.

Bainfield have their sights firmly focused on achieving a double title success as they are sitting 4 points clear of Carrick Knowe at the top of the 2nd Sixteens league while close third Sighthill are also in the picture

Play in Division 1 of the West Edinburgh League saw Ardmillan A go top with a 7-2 home victory over previous leaders Currie but Sighthill B are now the closest challengers having impressed with a 7-2 away win over Gorgie Mills.