Back-to-back weekend wins puts Whites in strong position

Incoming: Whitehead's Jack Montgomery has to leap out of the way to avoid a collision. INLT 33-427-RM

The Whites got the ball rolling thanks to a comfortable 52-shot win against Lurgan - a big six points banked in the race against Bangor.

On Rink One Nigel Beggs, Pat McRandal, Philip Weir and Stephen McKinley raced into a 22-1 lead after just eight ends. Never at any stage did they ease up, and they stormed to a massive 40-9 victory.

On Rink Two Sean Mullen, Andy Rankin, Stephen Moran and James Caldwell faced Lurgan’s top skip, Alan Roberts. The away side led the whole game, although the final score of 18-26 was a little harsh on Caldwell’s men.

Jack Montgomery, Bill Browne, JR Wilson and Martin McHugh also got off to a great start on Rink Three, leading 14-1 after seven ends. They kept the pressure on their opponents throughout and ran out comfortable 27-12 winners.

Over on Rink 4, James Burns, Colin Todd, Philip Gilmartin and Barry Browne completed a hat-trick of fast starts for the home side, leading 18-1 after 10 ends, having lost the one on the first end! The away quartet managed a mini-revival in the second half of the game, but Browne’s men ran out 25-11 winners.

The next day the same home line-up hosted Banbridge. McKinley’s rink were being held to a narrow 8-7 lead at 10 ends, but a powerful second-half performance from the home four saw them race away to another impressive victory - this time 32-11.

Browne’s men again started quickly, and led 15-1 after eight ends. The rest of the game was a bit more even, with Browne running out 29-11 victors.

Caldwell’s four led 14-10 after 15 ends, but a strong finish saw them win 21-11. McHugh’s men led 12-11 at 15 ends, but again a powerful run-in saw them win 23-13. This time a 59-shot win, and more importantly a full house of seven points bagged. Next stop, Bangor!