Craigielaw came through a close encounter with Tantallon to claim the league points that sensationally meant they defended their league title, with Longniddry upsetting the odds to win their match at Musselburgh.

Musselburgh looked to have dealt with the greater challenges, winning at Longniddry and at Winterfield earlier in February. Many thought a home fixture against Longniddry would be a formality, but the reality was different with Scott Greig’s side falling agonizingly short.

But congratulations are due to Craigielaw, who put the dynamics of the day to one side, and fought hard for their win against opponents who had thwarted them once this season.

The first tie saw Angus Carrick & Guy Dalziel facing Fraser Skene & Nick Peoples. This one was close all the way, all square after nine, and Craigielaw finding a hot streak with birdies on 9, 11, 13, 14 and 15. But Tantallon didn’t let them get away, and the home team held on to their 1 hole lead only when Dalziel holed a trick 6-footer on 17. Finally, a closing birdie by the home pairing proved too much for the visitors.

The second tie saw Craig Davidson & Sean McGarvey pitted against Joe Lockie and Duncan Searle. This was another close tussle which went to the eighteenth with the match all square. Craigielaw found the green in regulation, while Tantallon were long. But a brilliant chip from Searle saved the par for Tantallon, and when Craigielaw 3-putted, the point went to the visitors.

Kenny Glen & Mark Watt were just too strong for Keith Mackenzie & Kevin Mitchell in the 3rd tie, running out 5/4 winners.

The fourth tie paired Scott Cunningham & Marc Reid against Gareth Pugh & Liam Brown. This one also went down the last with Craigielaw 1 up. And the home pair were not to be denied, Cunningham’s excellent second shot finding the putting surface, and Reid’s putt finshing close enough to be conceded, along with the match.

The final tie went to Tantallon’s Duncan Forbes & Michael Davidson, who beat Colin Fleming & Dave Nicholson 3/2.

So it was a tough day for Musselburgh, who had sat on top of the table for virtually the whole season, after beating Gullane in their opening fixture.

But winning their final match to claim the title proved to be one step too far, and Scott Greig’s men will now have to set their sights on the daunting challenge of a Cup quarter-final tie at Craigielaw in less than two weeks time.

In the day’s other Div 1 fixture, Winterfield saw off the challenge from Gullane. The win wasn’t enough to avoid relegation, but the plucky outfit leave the top flight having given a good account of themselves, and must be considered likely challengers to bounce back next term.

Craigielaw 3 Tantallon 2
Musselburgh 2 Longniddry 3
Winterfield 4 Gullane 1