Ogilvie lands cup upset for Lhanbryde

Lhanbryde provided a major shock in the first round of the Ed Beattie Memorial Charity Cup defeating reigning division 1 champions Hopeman on their own patch.

In a break from the Alexander Wallace (Toyota) Morayshire Indoor Bowling Association league action, the focus turned to the cup competition held in memory of a long-serving Association bowler.

Hopeman, who won the competition two years ago, began with Baba Robertson who battled out a closely-contested match with Ella Hartley finishing all square at 12 apiece. Brian Speake ensured the visitors took an advantage going into the second session counting three shots on the final end for a 14-10 success.

Neil Roger won a remarkable low scoring contest 6- 5 to edge the visitors further ahead. Zander Main turned the match in favour of the hosts leading 14-8 playing the final end. In a dramatic last end Neil Ogilvie turned the tables with a count of four shots to ensure a shock result as the second division side progressed.

Lossie BC entertained Alves in what turned out to be another thriller. Only one shot separated the teams at the end of the first session George Hutcheon winning 16 -13 for the hosts and Gogs Gallagher 13-9 against Jutta Hewitt for the visitors. Lossie led by a shot entering the final ends, Tam Stewart scoring a single and George Jack a double to give the coastal club a narrow victory.

Birnie gained revenge on their recent league defeat with a surprisingly one-sided victory over second division leaders Elgin as the shocks continued. Jim Young and Bryce Milne played superbly for the visitors winning 13 consecutive ends between them running out with comfortable 15-4 and 12-5 victories. D Parry turned around a 10-4 deficit with a superb run of ends scoring 15 shots to keep the momentum going winning 19-10 clinching a second round tie for the village club.

Lossiemouth took their current league form into the Charity Cup with a hugely impressive performance against first division Forres Royal British Legion. Peter Bloomfield took control early on with a count of six and never looked back winning 20 shots to 5. Stuart Robertson gave the visitors a fighting chance with a deserved 13-10 win.

The second session was dominated by Lossie through Kevin Donaldson and Jim Edwards playing consistently as a team.

Moray BC did not have things all their own way in the first session against Forres Victoria, each club claiming a narrow victory - G Robb jnr for the hosts and Paul Coutts for Forres.

Moray youth and experience counted in the second session with Ralph Smith and Steve McKidd both displaying great bowls as they powered their club into the second round.

Holders Fochabers were emphatic in the first session at home to Bishopmill, Bill Robertson and Ross Andrews playing imperiously building up a 35-shot margin. There was no way back for the Elgin club with their only consolation a 12-3 win for Ron Garrow over R Gordon.

Duffus had Jim Moore to thank as they pmade it through at the expense of Fogwatt. Moore scored 22 shots in nine ends to win 23-4. Barmy Smith increased the home advantage, while a spirited reply in the second session through Ronnie Watt and Gordon Wiles proved to be consolation for the visitors.

Results, Charity Cup 1st Round: Fochabers 68, Bishopmill 37; Moray BC 61, Forres Victoria 27; Elgin 35, Birnie 61; Hopeman 41, Lhanbryde 44; Lossiemouth 66, Forres RBL 29; Lossie BC 45, Alves 41; Duffus 54, Fogwatt 38.

Association Singles: Forres Victoria (I Stewart) 21, Fogwatt (I Mitchell) 9; Lossie BC (T Stewart) 8, Fochabers (R Andrews) 21; Hopeman (K Godsman) 21, Forres RBL (H Milne) 3; Alves (G Taylor) 21, Moray BC (I Ingram) 10; Lossiemouth (D Camp) 13, Bishopmill (C Fletcher) 21.

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