Golf: Winter League faces backlog

WITH the icy weather wreaking havoc in recent weeks, the main challenge facing the East Lothian Winter Golf League is a growing backlog of fixtures.

With snow still on the ground in the south of the county, it may be a while before that situation improves, but the seaside courses saw a return to action following last week's thaw.

However, there was no meltdown for leaders Longniddry as they returned with a share of the spoils from their tricky assignment at Dunbar. In truth, the match could have gone either way, but the result ensured Chris Wood's team stay on top of the table, and are now the only unbeaten team in either division.

Meanwhile, 2008 champions Dunbar face a tough run-in and next Sunday's home clash with defending champions Craigielaw must surely result in one of these two being condemned to the drop this term.

In the only other Division 1 match to survive the weather, Kilspindie came from behind to steal a point and preserve their slender hopes of survival, putting a dent in Tantallon's title aspirations into the bargain. In Division 2, Whitekirk stepped up their title challenge as they visited North Berwick. The hosts took control of the early exchanges, and seemed in control in the top two matches for most of the day.

However, Anderson and Frame dug deep to escape with a half in match two and were met with the news that their team-mates behind had secured the remaining three points.

That win built on their home victory over leaders Glen seven days earlier and, in all likelihood, means this year's title will be contested between these two. However, with two games in hand and home ties to come against both of the top two teams, Musselburgh Old could still have their say.

Glen, for their part, completed an emphatic home win, effectively ending Winterfield's title challenge. Mike Currie's team now turn their attentions to their trip to North Berwick next Sunday, a match that could have a significant bearing on the title outcome.