Golf: Unfancied Mortonhall have shown their title credentials

Graeme Stark's team won 5-3 at Musselburgh to clinch top in Section D and, on paper at least, they can't be discounted as serious title contenders.

"What a performance, right from the first shot when Greg Nicolson drove the first green for a winning birdie there was a buzz about the night," said Stark.

Helped by an eagle-3 at the fourth, Nicolson was five-under after the opening seven holes as he led the way for the visitors with a fine win over Scott Reid.

After going out in two-under, Ian Dickson also won, as did Martin Hopley, Jamie Kennedy and Scott James, the last-named putting the icing on the cake with a last-green success.

Glencorse kept alive their hopes of securing second spot in that group with a comfortable win in the end against Prestonfield while Kingsknowe also won at home, against Merchants.

"Mortonhall's win at Musselburgh has thrown the race for second spot wide open with four teams still in it," said Alastair Shanks of Glencorse. "It is in our own hands as a victory over Kingsknowe (tomorrow night) will secure it but they will be out for the win themselves to keep their hopes alive."

Scotland cap Allyn Dick led the way in style in their win, bagging an eagle and four birdies to beat Richard Craig.

Prestonfield finish their campaign against Merchants. "We will stay in last place regardless but hopefully salvage some pride ahead of the team tournament next week and the inter-club in August," said Alan McEwan.

Title holders Royal Burgess secured top spot in Section A after signing off their campaign with a win at Baberton followed by a home success over Torphin Hill.

"I felt mugged by Baberton but, to be fair to my team, they just never throw in the towel," said Royal Burgess team manager Richard Hughes.

"It is what has made them champions over the last three years and what makes them the team to beat this year."

Turnhouse are now favourites to go through from that group with Royal Burgess after a big home win over Liberton.

Dalmahoy are going to end up as impressive winners in Section B after a good win at Ratho Park, where Colin Binnie was a disappointed man in the home ranks.

"This effectively kills off any chance of qualifying in second place," he said. "But, at the same time, it was pleasing that two of our juniors, Gregor Drummond and Jack Davidson, both had good wins.

"Jack was three down with five to play and won on the last."

In the same section, Murrayfield and Craigmillar Park fought out an exciting macth, which saw four of the eight games going to the 18th. Kenny Cumming, James Morrison and David Hutchison won three of them for Murrayfield as the home side came out on top."We need to take something at Broomieknowe and Ratho Park to give us a chance to take the section to the wire in the match we have still to arrange against Swanston," said Stephen tuart.

An exciting finish is in store in Section C, where Bruntsfield Links, Duddingston and Newbattle are all vying to join West Linton in the last eight.

Newbattle won well at home against Lothianburn, while Duddinston stepped up their challenge with an excellent win at Silverknowes.

"We still need help from other teams and also a good win at Duddingston to go through," noted Newbattle's Peter Hardwick.

On Duddingston's success, club secretary Duncan Ireland said: "A fantastic away victory which keeps the team's chances of progressing very much alive."

"When Greg Nicolson drove the first green for a winning birdie there was a buzz about the night"