Derby joy for Forres Victoria who end Forres Royal British Legion's unbeaten start to Morayshire Indoor Bowling Association season

After seven straight victories from the start of the Morayshire Indoor Bowling Association season, Forres Royal British Legion have finally been defeated.

And it was neighbours Forres Victoria who inflicted a first loss on the Legion after a terrific derby contest.

The league leaders made the short trip across town and took the first match with Harry Milne securing an 11-8 victory.

However, Vics' Robert McRitchie won five successive ends scoring 13 shots and went on to win 21 shots to 6 in what turned out to be the pivotal match as the home club took a 12-shot advantage heading into the second session.

There was to be a resurgence from the leaders as Neil Mathers put in a strong performance winning 11 shots to 6 to reduce the arrears to seven shots.

Mike Brown looked like he was going to complete the revival for the Legion when he led 11-3 after seven ends.

But Victoria opponent Paul Coutts held his nerve winning the last five ends to claim victory for the homesters, who took four points with the Legion increasing their lead at the top of the table with two points.

The semi-finals of the Ed Beattie Memorial Charity Cup saw Division 1 leaders Lossiemouth Bowling Club secure their place in the final with a hard-earned home victory over Forres Victoria to remain on course for a possible league and cup double.

In the second semi-final Fochabers - the most successful cup team in recent years - put in a strong performance at home to Fogwatt as they booked another final appearance.

The final will be played at Lhanbryde on February 16, with a 7pm start.