Golf: Leading Lothians lights heading for a Champions clash

LOTHIANS Championship finalists Alan Anderson and Steven Smith are on course for a second golfing title showdown later this year.

The duo are through to the third round in the Lothians Champion of Champions - in opposite halves of the draw.

Anderson, the victor at Broomieknowe last month, maintained his good form with a decent win against Third title holder David Marshall. The Bruntsfield Links man now faces Watsonian representative Richard Craig, who won an all-Merchants clash against David Sibbald.

Smith made home advantage count at Dalmahoy against Bob Humble, though the man who has just booked his spot in next year's line-up with a 20th title triumph at Kilspindie gave a good account of himself in going down 2 and 1.

A trip to Linlithgow now awaits Smith after Stuart McMehen earned his place in the next round with a one-hole victory over Amisfield Park's George Blair.

Smith faces a tough task to make the latter stages at Dunbar in August, with Graham Robertson, Malcolm Campbell and Mike Robson all still standing in his quarter of the draw.

Turnhouse title holder Robertson was a comfortable winner at home against Gogarburn's Chris Jackson, while Swanston New star Campbell chalked up a second away success, this time at the expense of Dunbar Castle's Stephen Neilson.

Harrison's Robson, who beat Stewart Pyle of Craigielaw, was joined in the last 32 by Braids United man Stuart Morrison, who pulled off one of the shocks of the round as he claimed the scalp of Temple's David Miller.

Mark Timmins was another surprise casualty, losing to RICS' Gary Denholm in a close game.