Midlothian ring changes for semi tie

Midlothian continue their great adventure in the Cities & Counties Championship for The Andrew Hamilton Trophy tomorrow with Ayrshire providing the opposition in the bowls semi-final match at Glasgow venue Crookston BC.

Holiday commitments have robbed Midlothian of one of their top players in the shape of skip Craig Hodge and team manager Frank Gray has resolved that situation by promoting Gilmerton Private star Ramsay Blair.

Blair switches rinks to fill the shoes of Hodge and his place at third to Jimmy Gibson is covered by Craig Adamson moving up a position from second allowing an exciting return to action for teenager Andrew Kelly. David Peacock, Colin Walker, John Stevenson, and George Yuill join Blair and Gibson as the six skips charged with bringing success to the Midlothian banner.

Ayrshire represent formidable opposition as they have a great record of success in the event down the years and their most recent form is highlighted by a title win in 2007 and reaching the finals of 2005 and 2008.

"The stakes are high and our aim is to give this semi-final challenge our best shot confident that we are in good shape to do so," said Gray.