Golf: Whitewash puts Gullane on course to retain their title

The day got off to a bad start for the visitors as a mix-up over starting times resulted in their opening pairings rushing straight to the first tee on arrival. And things didn't improve as the match got underway with Gullane establishing the early initiative in each of the top three ties.

In the end, Royal Musselburgh couldn't make any real impact against some experienced home combinations, as Scott Walker and Keith Millar, then Fraser Syme and Murray Saunders and, finally, Alan Smith and Ross Thomson recorded emphatic wins.

Jeff Aitken's team prevailed in the more closely-contested tail-end matches, too, before learning some more good news with leaders Glen suffering their first defeat of the season.

The defending champions are now just a point behind and travel to the Glen on Sunday knowing they need to avenge last October's narrow home defeat to take over at the top.

Glen's defeat came at the hands of a resurgent Longniddry side. Chris Wood's outfit have struggled a little this term following a serious tilt at the title last year, but can't be ruled out of the title race just yet.

Next up is a trip to Haddington, the outcome of which will determine whether their run-in is focused on championship hopes or avoiding relegation.

Dunbar and Haddington shared the points in a close tussle which saw four out of five ties going to the 18th.

However, that leaves both teams at the wrong end of the table, with just four matches left.

In Division Two, North Berwick surrendered top spot as they lost at Kilspindie. The hosts established early leads in each of the first four matches and always looked to be in the driving seat.

Tantallon could only manage a share of the spoils against visitors Musselburgh. However, it was a result that left both teams in the promotion race.

Division 1: Gullane 5, Royal Musselburgh 0; Longniddry 3, Glen 2; Dunbar 2, Haddington 2.