Bowling: Victoria out of the woods

Oct 29 2008 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

VICTORIA have taken an outright lead at the top of the Paisley and District Indoor Bowling Association First Division.

The Paisley team shared the top spot with Woodlands last week.

However the club are now out on their own and are two points to the good.

Victoria rubber stamped their title credentials during week five of the campaign with a good 5-3 win over Woodlands in a battle of the leading duo.

But it proved to be a frustrating week for title chasing Kilbarchan, as they were held to a 4-4 draw with Hawkhead.

Meikleriggs are a team on the up and following their splendid 6-2 win over Renfrew, they move up to three places and into a real commanding position.

And Inkerman were celebrating, too, after they posted a well worked 5-3 win over JG Fleming.

In the Second Division Anchor still hold sway.

The Buddies were in fine form during the latest round of games and they whitewashed Crofthead 8-0 to move five points in front.

But Johnstone are still in the hunt and they kept their momentum going with a worthy 6-2 victory over Midton.

Elderslie Wallace have ensured that they, too, are serious challengers for the championship.

And they kept up their recentfine form with a 6-2 win over Charleston.

And Spateston jumped up an incredible six places thanks to an important 6-2 win over Nitshill.

In Division Three, it’s a case of as you were with Eaglesham and Ferguslie continuing to rule the roost.

Eaglesham kept their noses in front when they did the business 6-2 against Priorscroft.

Meanwhile Paisley Comrades go into third spot after they demolished Crookston 8-0.

Ralston are beginning to hit some form at just the right time thanks to a 6-2 win over Abercorn.

However the British Legion could only muster a 4-4 draw with Lilybank.

In Reserve League Division One an idle Renfrew team will remain on top for another week.

Chasing them hard, though, are Neilston, who defeated Inchinnan A 4-2 to close the gap at the top to just two points.

St Mirren enjoyed a good outing by beating Wellmeadow 4-2, while Blacklandmill suffered a surprise 4-2 defeat to Anchor.

Meanwhile, Charleston are the team to beat in the Reserve League Second Division.

Charleston defeated Inkerman convincingly 5-1 to move four points clear at the top of the table, while Ferguslie’s challenge suffered a big set-back when they slumped to a 5-1 defeat against Barrhead.

Inchinnan B were on the wrong end of a 6-0 scoreline at the hands of Johnstone and Elderslie Wallace were also left disappointed at the hands of Linwood, losing their encounter 4-2.

Victoria still prop up the table but they are beginning to get isolated there, with a six point gap between themselves and their nearest rivals.

Week five First Division results: Victoria 5 Woodlands 3, Shanks 8 Blacklandmill 0, Inkerman 5 JG Fleming 3, Renfrew 2 Meikleriggs 6, Kilbarchan 4 Hawkhead 4, Wellmeadow 5 Inchinnan 3.

Division Two: Caledonia 6 Linwood 2, Elderslie Wallace 6 Charleston 2, Anchor 8 Crofthead 0, Spateston 6 Nitshill 2, Neilston 4 Barrhead 4, Midton 2 Johnstone 6.

Division Three: British Legion 4 Lilybank 4, Ralston 6 Abercorn 2, Eaglesham 6 Priorscroft 2, Paisley Comrades 8 Crookston 0.

First Reserve Division: Inchinnan A 2 Neilston 4, St Mirren 4 Wellmeadow 2, Blacklandmill 2 Anchor 4, Woodlands 4 Shanks 2.

Second Reserve Division: Johnstone 6 Inchinnan B 0, Barrhead 5 Ferguslie 1, Charleston 5 Inkerman 1, Linwood 4 Elderslie Wallace 2.

All the teams in the Paisley and District Indoor Bowling Association will today take a break from the rigours of league duty and instead concentrate their efforts on their Hector McKinnon and John Buchanan Trophies matches.