Bowlers Lift First Ever Trophy, Amber Castle Harbour Cup
Grange pool team won the Castle Cup for the first time with a topsy-turvy playoff win against the Times Bar Scorpions.
The Ballyclare men took control early doors with nice finishes from Stephen Hereon, Richard Kitson and Ryan Scott opening a 3-0 lead, before the experienced duo of Darren Haddock and Paul Kerr brought the Belfast men back to 3-2.
Michael Wilson and Robin Blair both won to restore the three frame advantage at 5-2 to Grange after the first session. Stephen Johnston and Michael Wilson shared the next two to make it 6-3, before Kerr, Johnston and Haddock reeled off the next three to level things at 6-6. The 13th frame was a long tense affair with Kitson eventually punishing an uncharacteristic in-off from Kerr to put Grange on the hill.
In the battle of the Blairs, Robin looked like he was about to hand Grange the win, but missed his last yellow and Davy had a tap in to force the decider. With the other two finals finished, a large crowd gathered as Wayne Lewis and Aaron Leslie played out a tense playoff.
After a safety battle, a telling snooker from Lewis forced the mistake from Leslie and the Ballyclare man cleared up to secure the Cup for Granges.
The final was played in great spirit and unfortunately there had to be a loser but the congratulations and commiserations between the players at the end was great to see. A special thanks to Glen Balmer, Grange Bar proprietor for hosting the finals.