Double trouble for sorry Caledonia

Jun 29 2011 by Andy Newport, Paisley Daily Express

ANCHOR now boast a double-digit lead after cementing their place at the top of the Paisley and District Bowling Association First Division.

A 9-7 win over Blacklandmill, combined with near rivals Caledonia being beaten, mean the Seedhill Road club now sits 10 points clear at the top flight’s summit.

Caledonia will have to go some to rein in their foes after falling to a 10-6 defeat against Elderslie.

And they also now face the prospect of fighting on two fronts after third-placed Charleston moved to within a point of the Russel Road outfit with a 10-6 victory over strugglers Barrhead.

Renfrew – level on 62 points with Charleston – too have joined the race for second place after drubbing Kilbarchan 11-5.

Meikleriggs moved off the bottom of the table after they hit new basement boys Ferguslie 10-6.

In Division Two, Ralston will retain control in the battle for the title as the race goes for the crown goes into it’s penultimate week.

But the league leaders advantage has been slashed to just four points after they were stunned by an 11-5 defeat against second-placed Victoria.

That win will give the Lady Lane side hope of snatching the championship with two fixtures left, but Neilston will have to pray both sides drop more points after they were held to a 8-8 stalemate by bottom-dogs Abercorn.

Fourth-placed Wellmeadow, meanwhile, were stunned by a 12-4 defeat to Linwood, while Priorscroft beat Hawkhead 10-6.

And Blacklandmill have usurped Caledonia at the top of the Reserve League with a 4-0 whitewash over Elderslie.

Caledonia’s second string could only muster a 2-2 draw against Hawkhead, while Anchor and Ralston did the same. Charleston thumped Renfrew 4-0, while Meikleriggs were the idle side.

First Division results from Wednesday: Anchor 9 Blacklandmill 7, Barrhead 6 Charleston 10, Caledonia 6 Elderslie 10, Ferguslie 6 Meikleriggs 10, Kilbarchan 5 Renfrew 11.

First Division fixtures today: Anchor v Elderslie, Barrhead v Caledonia, Blacklandmill v Renfrew, Charleston v Ferguslie, Kilbarchan v Meikleriggs.

Second Division results from Wednesday, June 22: Abercorn 8 Neilston 8, Hawkhead 6 Priorscroft 10, Linwood 12 Wellmeadow 4, Ralston 5 Victoria 11.

Second Division fixtures for today: Abercorn v Linwood, Hawkhead v Victoria, Neilston v Ralston, Priorscroft v Wellmeadow.

Reserve Division results from Wednesday, June 22: Anchor 2 Ralston 2, Blacklandmill 4 Elderslie 0, Caledonia 2 Hawkhead 2, Charleston 4 Renfrew 0. Meikleriggs were idle.

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