Golf: Lothians not so hot in warm-up tie

LOTHIANS almost blew a big foursomes lead in their final friendly before this year's Scottish Area Team Championship.

The hosts were 4-1 up against Fife after the morning session at The Renaissance Club, but just held on for an 8-7 victory after the tables were turned in the singles.

Lothians captain Mark Timmins had reason to be pleased with his foursomes pairings as only the top couple, Allyn Dick and Graham Robertson, failed to deliver the goods.

However, it was a different story in the singles, with the visitors reducing the deficit almost immediately as Keith Nicholson retired injured after four holes.

That was followed by the home side losing the top three matches in the batting order for the afternoon.

In the top tussle, Scottish cap Allyn Dick surrendered a two-hole lead with five to go and lost on the 18th to Gary Sharp.

Graham Robertson was at the wrong end of a second 5 and 4 scoreline in the second match, while Stuart Cup winner Stephen Simants, after being five down after ten, lost 2 and 1.

However, wins from Myles Cunningham, Malcolm Campbell, who won four in a row from being two down with five to play, Sean McGarvey and Stehen Neilson secured a narrow victory for the home team. Five of the Lothians players involved in the match - Grant Forrest was missing due to him being involved in the Scottish Youths' Championship - now head to Prestwick this weekend.