Bowling: Top dogs take on struggling side

Jun 17 2009 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

LEAGUE-leading Kilbarchan will be aiming to maintain their status as the boys to beat in the Paisley and District Bowling First Division.

They’ve only been at the top of the tree for a little under a fortnight but you can bet your bottom dollar they intend to stay there.

They sat in second place prior to the last round of competitive games in the division but they stole pole position after a very convincing 12-4 win over Blacklandmill.

Today, though, they take on basement boys Hawkhead in what should be, on paper, a mere formality.

But if they do slip up then Caledonia, the previous leaders, with be eager to capitalise to the full.

They kept up their winning ways during the last round of games with a 10-6 win over Renfrew.

And today they take on Elderslie who’ve struggled somewhat in the campaign thus far.

However, Caledonia, back after a week’s break, cannot afford to underestimate today’s opposition or they could be in for a shock.

Charleston, although held to an 8-8 draw with Anchor the last time out, have moved up to third spot and they too will be looking to make some inroads later today.

They take on Blacklandmill and one thing is for sure the ’Mill won’t be lying down and taking things easy against the title chasers.

In Division Two it’s all change at the top with Wellmeadow sitting ahead of the pack.

They moved five points clear with one of the most emphatic victories so far this season – a 14-2 win over shellshocked Neilston.

They are up against Abercorn this week, who sit third from bottom, so this one should be a stick-on for a Wellmeadow win.

Previous leaders Victoria could only stand by and watch as they were overtaken after they posted a frustrating 8-8 draw with Abercorn.

But they could immediately bite back if Wellmeadow fail to get a result and they do the business when they take on Linwood.

And Ferguslie have moved up from third in the table to second and they will no doubt be desperate to keep the momentum going when they face Ralston.

Meanwhile, in the Reserve League, it now looks like a two horse race between Charleston and Ralston for the Reserve League title.

Charleston take on Meikleriggs today with precious league points up for grabs, while Ralston face a potentially tricky tie with Hawkhead.

Meikleriggs are down to third spot after they experienced disappointment losing to Anchor 3-1 and they will be looking to bounce back with a victory when they take on the Charleston boys.

And strugglers Blacklandmill and Elderslie were left equally disappointed when they fought out a 2-2 draw that suits neither club.

Blacklandmill are in action against Anchor, while Elderslie must wait another week as they are the idle team today.

Division One fixtures: Anchor v Renfrew, Barrhead v Meikleriggs, Blacklandmill v Charleston, Caledonia v Elderslie, Hawkhead v Kilbarchan.

Fixtures for Division Two: Abercorn v Wellmeadow, Ferguslie v Ralston, Linwood v Victoria, Neilston v Priorscroft.

Reserve Division: Anchor v Blacklandmill, Caledonia v Renfrew, Charleston v Meikleriggs, Hawkhead v Ralston. Elderslie are idle.