Not that I am biased, but the bowls do have them

So, with the sun shining, despite the weather forecasters saying we would have rain, it was off to Ironmills Bowling Club, Dalkeith, which was established in 1857, nestling in the valley beside the River Esk and sheltered by the surrounding trees - however a total nightmare when the midges come out.

This was a Royal Arch "friendly" tournament for the McCutcheon trophy, with teams from Bonnyrigg, The Laird O Cockpen 500 , Gorebridge Dundas, Dalkeith Esk 42, Tranent Forresters and the Provinceof Mid and East Lothian.

It was nice to see a good turn out, accompanied by a number of spectators who basked in the warm sunshine, enjoying the varied degrees of skill displayed on the greens !! but with several keen fist timers, and some very rusty and creaking oldies.

There was a break during the round robin, and a superb buffet lunch was laid on by the ladies sponsored by last years winners, Esk 42, it was just a shame that John Wright is no longer with us to see his team defend the trophy.

After some excellent bowls, some very close and some not so close, the winners were Gorebridge Dundas, led by John Scott who received the trophy from Alex Moonie, Provincial Grand Superintendent.

Overall a highly successful afternoon, enjoyed by all who even if they did not win tehtrophy were able to take home a sun tan.