First-class Mail delivers after recovery over back nine

On paper, West Linton have a side capable of going close in the title race and this latest victory edged them closer to an all-important home tie in the quarter-finals.

In the top match, Kenny Mail found himself three down to Broomieknowe champion Jamie Mcintosh at the turn, but rallied brilliantly.

Mail played the back nine in three-under-par, securing a splendid win with a par 4 at the last.

Stephen Smith’s 100 per cent record in the current campaign finally ended after seven straight wins.

In a great tussle, he had to share the spoils with Kenny Smith, with both players estimated to be five-under for the 18 holes.

It was a night to remember for Stuart McQueen, who marked his West Linton debut by securing a hard-fought one-hole win over the experienced Alan Bradley.

“The result puts us in a strong position with two matches remaining,” said West Linton’s John McWilliams. “We can secure top qualifier spot with a win at home to Swanston this week.

“However, defeat would present us with a potentially hazardous final match – against Swanston away – with Bruntsfield breathing down our necks.”

It was the same score in the match at Turnhouse, where the home side dented Duddingston’s hopes of progressing to the last eight.

“We were glad to finally get a game played again and once again the course has stood up to the deluge of rain of late,” said Turnhouse team manager Neil Anderson.

Teenagers Lewis Bain and Andrew Young both recorded impressive wins, as did Paul Pentland as he enjoyed a welcome return to form.