Lhanbryde open up Morayshire Indoor Bowling Association league title chase with victory over high-flying Lossiemouth Bowling Club

Leaders Lossiemouth Bowling Club entertained second-placed Lhanbryde in the latest round of fixtures in the Alexander Wallace (Toyota) first division.

The leaders got off to the perfect start in the opening exchanges with Mark Thompson holding a 12-2 advantage after seven ends going on to win 15-7.

Neil Roger recovered from a poor start to win six of the last seven ends to record a 16-10 success and make it a two-shot match heading into the second session.

Juta Hewett continued her recent run of form with a strong finish to put the leaders in pole position.

In the final match Robert Wildgoose put in the performance of the season so far with a quite stunning performance counting fifteen shots in three ends to record a 26 shots to three win and four points for the visitors and open up the title race.

Burghead travelled to Moray BC in what was expected to be a close match.

The host club had other ideas, George Robb jnr and Ralph Smith getting the better of the crucial ends as the Elgin club led by 18 shots after the first session.

Despite a spirited effort from Burghead's Ryan Gordon, Moray's George Grant clinched an impressive victory and six points for the Elgin club.

Hopeman hosted Alves with the experienced pair of Gordon Gallagher and Graeme Taylor giving the visitors a double-digit lead entering the second session.

Jim Pirie won the last four ends in his game for a 14-5 success to cut the deficit to three shots.

All went to the final match where Mike Anderson always had the upper hand en-route to a 13-7 success and four points for the village club as Hopeman left with two points.

Fochabers went on the road to Fogwatt looking for an away victory.

Ronnie Watt made a fast start for the hosts and never looked back, winning 18-9 and with Gordon Wiles finishing strongly the first two points went to the home club.

Ian Mitchell put in his best performance of the season with superb bowls ensuring a much needed six points for the home club.

In the second division, the derby clash between Forres Victoria and Forres Royal British Legion was cancelled due to the weather with some players unable to travel from out with the town.

Duffus took full advantage with an excellent away performance against Hopeman A.

All level after two low scoring matches in the first session, Gibby Phillips and Davy Clarihew were in top form once again both recording comfortable victories gaining five points and second place in the league, while Hopeman took a consolation point.

Lossie Bowling Club's A team took the early initiative at home to Birnie, Ian Ironside and Alan Smith winning 11-7 and 17-7 for a healthy first session advantage.

Birnie dug deep in the second session through Bryce Milne winning a close encounter and with Vivien Welsh only losing by a single shot, the visitors left with a valuable two points while the coastal club moved up the table with a third win of the season.

Results:

First Division

Moray BC 71 Burghead 34

Lossie BC 42 Lhanbryde 54

Hopeman 37 Alves 46

Fogwatt 72 Fochabers 36

Second Division

Lossie BC A 53 Birnie 40

Hopeman A 26 Duffus 49