Midlothian keep their East crown

MIDLOTHIAN women will get to defend the Scottish title later this year after retaining their East crown in style at Turnhouse.

A comprehensive final-day win over East saw the hosts complete the three-day event with an impressive 100 per cent record on the outskirts of the Capital.

A 3-0 win in the morning foursomes laid a solid foundation and the door was soon slammed shut on East in the afternoon singles.

With Rachael Watton, just back from her US college, being given a well-deserved rest, Jane Turner teamed up with Hannah Scott in the morning to record a 5 and 4 win over Lesley Nicholson and Clara Young.

Turner and Young also clashed head-on in the top singles match, which was close all the way.

A birdie at the 17th allowed Turner, runner-up in this year’s Scottish Championship, to get her nose in front and a half in pars at the last sealed the win.

In a cracking encounter, Watton and Lesley Atkins produced some fantastic golf.

Three down at the turn, Watton fought back to square the match on 18, with both players being round in three-under.

Other wins from Scott, Louise Fraser and Claire Hargan completed a great day’s work for Mid, who won 7…-1… and will defend their Scottish title at Montrose in September.

East Lothian 1.5, Midlothian 7.5

Foursomes: L Nicholson and C Young lost to J Turner and H Scott 5 and 4; M L Renton and L Atkins lost to C Hargan and L Fraser 4 and 3; L Garden and S Penman lost to K Marshall and W Nicholson 3 and 2.

Singles: Young lost to Turner one hole; Atkins halved with R Watton; Nicholson bt K McIntosh one hole; Penman lost to Scott 6 and 4; J Herd lost to Fraser 5 and 4; B Biggart lost to Hargan 6 and 4.

Final positions: 1 Midlothian 6 points; 2 Fife 4pts; 3 East Lothian 2pts; 4 Stirling and Clackmannan 0pts.