Golf: Skinner pips Thomson

GRANT SKINNER of Glencorse pipped former Scottish international Mike Thomson to top spot in the Edinburgh and East of Scotland Alliance at Lothianburn.

Skinner's net 66, playing off four, gave him a one-shot win over the plus one Torwoodlee man the battle for the M Allan Memorial Trophy.

Baberton's Ronald Grant and Ian Jeavons of Dunbar both signed for 70s, one less than Mark Chaplin (Deer Park) and Hugh Fraser of Niddry Castle.

Thomson had the consolation of claiming the scratch spoils, his 66 seeing him finish four shots clear of Skinner, Turnhouse pro Scott Grieve and Drumpellier's Ross Neill.

After five events, Grieve leads the scratch order of merit on 229.5 points, closely followed by Chris Morris of Kingsknowe.

Lochend's Alan Young is setting the pace in the handicap event with 77 points, holding a tenp-point lead over second-placed Graeme Johnston of Glenbervie.