Forres Victoria close in on Duffus in Morayshire Indoor Bowling Association’s final games before festive break

The last round of fixtures in the Morayshire Indoor Bowling Association’s Alexander Wallace (Toyota) Leagues before Christmas has been contested.

Division 2 Leaders Duffus were on the road at one of their nearest challengers Forres Victoria.

The first match finished all square, as Robert McRitchie won 10 out of 12 ends to give the home club a 13-shot advantage. Duffus won the third match 8- 7, Forres finished strongly in the final game to secure victory and close within two points of their opponents.

Bishopmill won both first session games against bottom club Lossiemouth, Willie Robertson winning 15-6. Craig Fletcher and Ron Garrow both recorded comfortable victories as the Elgin club took maximum points and moved up to second place in the table.

Harry Milne impressed in the first session for Forres Royal British Legion on their travels to Lossie BC A. Alan Smith gave the coastal club a narrow advantage winning 11-6, Neil Mathers ensured the visitors would not be denied another away win with a decisive 22-5 victory and a valuable six points.

Only one shot separated home club Hopeman B and Fogwatt at the end of the first session in favour of the visitors. The coastal club won the third game to make it a level match, Ian Mitchell impressed for the visitors winning 17-7 to clinch a significant win for the village club as they moved within two points of the leaders.

In the first division, leaders Moray BC were on the road at Hopeman with Ralph Smith winning 11-10 for the Elgin club. Philip McPherson won a low scoring game 11-5 to give the home club a narrow lead. Alastair Robertson and Zander Main were both dominant in the second session for the coastal club as they look to mount a title challenge picking up six points.

Alves won a close first session 25-22 on the road at Lossie BC A. Rod Sutherland and George Jack turned the match in favour of the home club both with convincing wins and four points was enough to regain top spot for the coastal club.

Fochabers looked to keep up their good run of form at home to Lhanbryde and won both first session games, Mark Woodhouse winning 15-3. Mark Wright won for the visitors, Stuart Gerrard impressed in the last game to ensure another six points for the village club.

The two bottom clubs went head-to-head with Birnie hosting champions Burghead where Vivien Welsh and Jim Young gave the home club a narrow four-shot advantage. Jim Hinshelwood took the last game 12-9 to clinch a second victory of the season for Birnie as they move above the champions in the league table.