Morayshire Indoor Bowling Association season rolls out with champions Burghead losing out to last season’s runners-up

Reigning champions Burghead were defeated in the opening match of their Morayshire Indoor Bowling Association title defence.

A clash with last season’s first division runners-up Lossie Bowling Club on day one of the Alexander Wallace (Toyota) league was closely contested.

Cameron Leggat won 14-5 in his match for the champs but Burghead lost the other match in the first session to level things up.

David Ross won 10-8 for Burghead but George Jack secured a 12-8 victory for Lossie and the overall victory with five points earned - Burghead took a consolation point.

Hopeman A were in excellent form at home to Fochabers with skips James McPherson and Philip McPherson both recording comfortable wins in the first session.

Zander Main edged a close contest 14 - 13 and Jim Pirie made it a clean sweep for the coastal club and a maximum six points.

The two promoted clubs from last season, Birnie and Lhanbryde produced an entertaining match with Jim Hinshelwood and Sylvia Entwistle giving the country club a significant advantage after the first session.

Bryce Milne increased that lead before Mark Wright rallied for the visitors with an impressive 15-5 win to secure two points for last season’s second division champions with Birnie taking overall victory and four points.

Moray Bowling Club started strongly against Alves, with Aaron Robb and Ralph Smith showing good form winning 13-7 and 14-6 respectively. George Grant played superbly for the Elgin club to give them an unassailable lead with Colin Taylor managing a consolation win for the visitors.

In the second division, Bishopmill ran out comfortable winners over Fogwatt, Craig Fletcher being the standout with the Elgin club picking up six points.

Kevin Donaldson helped give Lossiemouth a healthy first session lead over Forres Victoria winning 17-8. Robert McRitchie and Paul Rogan turned the tables in the second session as the visitors left with four points and look to mount a title challenge.

Forres Royal British Legion and Duffus produced quite a first session with each club securing big wins, Jim Hasman for the hosts and Arthur Morgan for the visitors.

Seasoned skips Harry Milne and Neil Mathers took control of their games in the second session to give the home club overall victory and four points, Duffus taking two.

Lossie Bowling Club and Hopeman’s second string teams matched up, with Hopeman taking the first session points thanks to Ross Tripp’s win.

Lossie took both second session matches to secure victory and four points, Hopeman winning two.