THE Alpha Trophies-sponsored 2008 Edinburgh Bowling League begins tonight with an excess of 1000 bowlers set to parade their skills over five first-team leagues, four second-team leagues, and three third-team leagues.
The top attraction of the Division 1 fixtures is the clash between title winning giants Tanfield and Craigentinny, although the visit of current champions Parkside to last season's Division 2 kingpins Queensberry runs it close.
The last of Tanfiel
d's record six title wins was in 2006 and they start their latest campaign without the services of two stalwart figures in Keith Taylor, who has rejoined Pilrig and John Storrier, who has switched to Bainfield and the rival Water of Leith League.
Parkside launch their defence with regular skips Robert Donaldson, Paul Veitch, Brian Salvona and Alex Hurry back on duty while Brian Pollard, Alan Watson, Davy Johnstone, and Frank O'Reilly continue at the helm for Queensberry.
Other player movements reported within the EBL include Pilrig legend David Poole returning to the club after a short stint at Goldenacre and Darren Grant leaving Pilrig to renew an old acquaintance with Parkside.
Pilrig, inaugural champions in 1998, are at home to Hillside tonight while Dean host Leith who were promoted with Queensberry.
The Division 2 fixtures are: Seafield v Goldenacre; Postal v Maitland, Willowbrae v Corstotphine, Dudley v Wardie.
The full article contains 229 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
