Struggling Longniddry recorded their first win of the season on Sunday at the expense of defending champions North Berwick.  A blend of youth and experience was the key with a 4-under par performance from youngsters Connor Farrell and Lewis Reid swiftly followed by a gutsy win by veterans David Porteous and Gus Wilson.  Regular top pairing Mike Bacigalupo and Kevin Girdler also came through in a close encounter.

The result left skipper Paul Gibson and assistant Chris Higgins naturally delighted and more than a little relieved.  Survival in the top flight would have seemed a tall order had they lost this one, and whilst they remain rooted to the foot of the table they are at least now in touch with the pack.

But all that meant Gullane find themselves four points clear at the top.  The leaders face away matches at the Glen and Kilspindie on the run-in to Christmas and will go into that stretch knowing they can go a long way to securing a fourth league title if they continue their run of good form. Skipper Jeff Aitken will be taking nothing for granted, but the rest are only too well aware that if the Gullane juggernaut continues on its current path everyone else could be left fighting for the scraps.

In Division 2 Tantallon moved into the promotion zone thanks to a home win against leaders Dunbar. The hosts seemed to be in control but a fightback by Lee and Steve Morgan in match 2 left the result in the balance. But in the end the Dunbar pair weren't able to find the birdie they needed for victory on the eighteenth and had to settle for a half. Tantallon also had Euan Bowden to thank for getting them over the line. The youngster found the right shot when he needed it most, sending his drive to within ten feet of the hole at the par 4 eighteenth to salvage another halved match - enough for his team to secure the points.

Elsewhere Craigielaw missed out on a chance to join the leaders as they suffered a disappointing defeat at Castle Park.  So it’s all to play for in the lower flight with just two points separating the top eight teams.

Read the report in the Evening News here.