Bowling: Sparkling night of league action

Nov 5 2008 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

IT may be Guy Fawkes Night tonight but the Paisley and District Indoor Bowling Association is where the real fireworks will be taking place this evening.

The clubs return to the rigours of league action after last week’s cup commitments and it’s a sure fire bet there’s going to be a sizzling series of matches in the First Division.

Table-toppers Victoria take on Blacklandmill in a battle of top versus bottom.

Paisley team Blacklandmill have experienced a dreadful start to their campaign but they’ll breathe new life into their season if they can cause an upset tonight.

Woodlands, in joint second place, will be waiting to pounce on any mishaps from Victoria.

But they’ll nevertheless need to take care of Wellmeadow when the two teams face each other.

JG Fleming are another team who have struggled in recent weeks but they can improve their fortunes if they take care of Barrhead team Shanks.

And Kilbarchan will need to do the business when they take on Inchinnan, especially if they want to keep their status near the top of the division.

In Division Two the league leaders Anchor will be aiming to keep ahead of the rest when they play Nitshill.

Meanwhile Johnstone will need to beat Neilston in order to stay in touch.

Elderslie Wallace are up against Crofthead, eager to keep their championship challenge alive and on paper, the Wallace team look favourites to beat the basement dogs.

Caledonia face a potentially tricky tie with Charleston and it’s really anyone’s guess who’ll come out on top in this one.

And Linwood must beat Midton in order to avoid an early relegation dogfight.

In Division Three, Crookston will be out to cause a shock when they lock horns with second placed Ferguslie, while league leaders Eaglesham are the idle side.

Paisley Comrades face Bridge of Weir desperate to maintain their title challenge.

Ralston will be looking to pick up the points when they do battle with Priorscroft.

Meanwhile, Renfrew hold sway in Reserve League Division One and they’ll be keen to keep it that way when they play Inchinnan A tonight.

The nearest rivals Neilston are idle this week, so it’s doubly important for the ‘Frew to increase the gap at the top.

St Mirren Club are down to face Anchor and they are badly in need a victory to lift them from the foot of the table.

And Caledonia are up against Woodlands, hoping to reduce the gap between the clubs in the division.

In Reserve League Division Two, it is Charleston who are calling the shots as they are leading the pack by four points.

They take on Elderslie Wallace and this encounter may not be as easy as it first appears.

Ferguslie are up against Johnstone and the former can’t afford any slip-ups.

Meanwhile Linwood and Victoria are expected to serve up a cracking tie.

Inkerman have a great opportunity to leapfrog Meikleriggs when these two clubs meet up.

But there is no doubt the Meikleriggs boys will be equally determined to put clear daylight between themselves and their opponents.

Week Six First Division fixtures: Anchor v St Mirren, Renfrew v Inchinnan A, Caledonia v Woodlands, Shanks v Blacklandmill.

Division Two: Inkerman v Meikleriggs, Ferguslie v Johnstone, Victoria v Linwood, Elderslie Wallace v Charleston.

Fixtures for Division Three: Priorscroft v Ralston, Abercorn v British Legion, Bridge of Weir v Paisley Comrades, Crookston v Ferguslie.

Reserve League Division One: Anchor v St Mirren, Renfrew v Inchinnan A, Caledonia v Woodlands, Shanks v Blacklandmill.

Reserve League Division Two: Inkerman v Meikleriggs, Ferguslie v Johnstone, Victoria v Linwood, Elderslie Wallace v Charleston.