Promotion is reward for strong finish
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MORAY Bowling Club have been promoted to the first division of the Morayshire Indoor Bowling League after a resounding victory in their final match against Lossiemouth.
With Lhanbryde winning the previous night, it was essential Moray won or drew their match to ensure promotion and they showed little mercy on their opponents.
George Robb jnr and Ralph Smith produced brilliant bowls in the opening exchanges to virtually put the host club out of sight midway through the first session.
By half-time the celebrations had already started and in the second session Moray continued to dominate, winning both matches to make it a double for Elgin clubs with Bishopmill already champions.
Lhanbryde trailed host club Elgin by nine shots at the end of the first session. Robert Wildgoose narrowed the gap to five, winning 11-7 and Campbell Cup winner Neil Roger ensured victory with a 21-5 victory over A Junor.
Birnie took a 12-shot advantage into the second session against Duffus thanks to Jim Morrison winning 15-3. The second proved a tight affair, Gibby Philips winning for the visitors. Jim Young’s five shot victory ensured Birnie finished with another home win.
Champions Bishopmill rounded their season off winning a close encounter away to bottom club Fogwatt, Alex McGregor being the stand out performer in a 10-7 win.
First Division champions Hopeman made it 11 wins from 12 matches against Fochabers. Richard Pennie played brilliantly for the visitors as he secured a two shot win, however the overall consistency of the champions proved crucial as they showed their class in the second session.
Forres RBL scored a surprise win at the Ex Servicemen, all four Forres skips, led by the experienced Ted Lamsdell, winning close matches. Alves proved too strong for Forres RBL, with Dessie Paterson showing his ability as a skip.
Results:
First Division: Hopeman 63 Fochabers 30, Alves 68 Forres RBL 28, Ex Servicemen 30 Forres RBL 43. Second Division: Elgin 36 Lhanbryde 47, Birnie 53 Duffus 39, Fogwatt 39 Bishopmill 45, Moray BC 88 Lossiemouth 13.
