West Lothian prevail over East Lothian in golf duel

Oct 15 2009 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

WEST Lothian started the defence of their Lothians and Fife Winter League on Sunday with a well won encounter against East Lothian at Harburn.

There were a couple of really tight matches in the middle batting order but some big wins most of which went the way of our lads.

In the top match – a rerun of May's Lothians Championship final – Keith Nicholson was in good form for the visitors and Keith Messer had a stinker and never looked like getting revenge for his last green defeat earlier in the year.

But Keith Reilly won for us at number two and Graham Robertson at four did likewise after Craig Elliot finished level in a tight match at number three.

Then at five Mark Timmins of Pumpherston, down early, salvaged a half against Ross Noon and it looked as if Tom Blennerhasset would do the same in the next match but he surrendered the last to lose.

Alarm bells were ringing amongst the West Lothian officials but things were going our way big-time at the rear.

Uphall youngster Jordyn Rhind needed only 14 holes to see off his man, while Stuart Boyle of the host club did even better closing proceedings at the 12th.

And Bathgate Champion Stuart Crookston was far too much for his opponent as well and won 6/5.

East’s Stephen Neilson won the last match but it left West 6-4 to the good and looking forward to the next game in a fortnight at Prestonfield where Mid are our hosts.

In the other match it was a 7-3 success for Fife against Mid at Balbirnie.