Announcement
Moment of truth arrives in promotion race
The meeting of Kilspindie and Haddington on Sunday promises to be a battle royal with both teams’ sights set on the second division trophy, yet at the same time aware of the stark reality that the losers will, barring events elsewhere coming to their rescue, miss out on promotion.
The same two sides met at the same venue in the Cup just three weeks ago. On that occasion Kilspindie prevailed in extra holes, but intriguingly it was the visitors that led at the end of regulation time – a scenario Haddington skipper Neil Bain would be delighted to repeat this weekend.
Glen, currently in third place on points difference, are the other promotion contenders and they can guarantee their place in the top flight with a win at Musselburgh Old.
These two teams have only met once before in the league. That was back in March 2010, also at the Racecourse, and Glen skipper Innes Christie will have fond memories of that day. His 5/4 win in partnership with Dave McKinnon was enough to seal the match and the Division 2 title, the springboard for his team to go on and become league champions for a second time the following season.
Musselburgh Old, in the past tough to crack on their home patch, have struggled to make an impact this season and Glen will start as favourites. Whilst the Division 2 title isn’t guaranteed this time round, the visiting players know promotion is the minimum reward for success, and they will be taking nothing for granted.
The climax to the 1st Division couldn’t be more different, and although there is another round of regular fixtures still to come, North Berwick have the opportunity to lift the Matthew Black trophy for the first time if they can avoid defeat at home to Musselburgh on Sunday.
Gullane are the only challengers, and they need a big win against Royal Musselburgh to keep their slender hopes alive, should the leaders slip up.
Meanwhile there’s sure to be excitement of a different kind at Longniddry where Tantallon are the visitors, with both teams sorely in need of a win to stay clear of the relegation zone.
