North Berwick repelled the challenge of Winterfield on Sunday in their final home appearance of season, and in so doing assured their place back in the top flight, just a season after being relegated.

It wasn’t all one-way traffic with the visitors taking the early advantage in four of the five ties.  Winterfield moved at least two up over the first six holes in each of these ties, with only Main and Cochrane in front for the home team at that stage.  But one by one North Berwick fought back, and the home team proved to be stronger over the tough closing stretch into the east wind.  Main and Cochrane duly completed their task on the fourteenth green, then McInroy and Ross made par from the bunker in front of the 17^th green to close out their match.  A few minutes later team skipper Chris Wood secured promotion after he and partner Fraser Henderson won on the same green, taking six of their final eight holes to claim their point.

Meanwhile Kilspindie got over the line on their trip to Thorntree, keeping their own promotion hopes alive and ensuring the race for the second Division title goes to the final week of the season.  North Berwick need a draw or better at Gifford, whilst Kilspindie must win at the Glen and hope their rivals slip up.

Longniddry fought for their survival in the top flight, but when Short and Rudd lost the crucial tie to Mackie and Blair on the final green, the match was over, along with the home team’s place in the 1^st Division.

In the race for the title both Gullane and Tantallon recorded 3½-1½ wins, setting up the perfect title showdown over North Berwick West Links in a fortnight.  Gullane can afford to lose 3-2 and still take the title, whilst Tantallon can claim it with a 3½-1½ win.