BOWLS: McHugh claims seventh NIBA Singles title

There was a familiar sight in the NIBA Championships at Larne. Marty McHugh again had his hands on the Singles trophy.
Ken Armstrong President of NIBA presents Martin McHugh of Whitehead Bowling Club with the NIBA Singles TrophyKen Armstrong President of NIBA presents Martin McHugh of Whitehead Bowling Club with the NIBA Singles Trophy
Ken Armstrong President of NIBA presents Martin McHugh of Whitehead Bowling Club with the NIBA Singles Trophy

But the Whitehead player was first to admit, he was pushed right to wire by Balmoral young gun Mitchell Albert, who agonisingly lost out 21-20. It’s a record-breaking seventh time that McHugh has won the crown.

The Larne native said: “It could have gone either way. Mitchell played really well. I’m sure it will not be long until he’s back in the final.

“I’m thrilled to get my hands back on the trophy again. It seems like a lifetime again since my first success back in 2001. It certainly was one of my hardest finals.”

McHugh’s clubmate, Barry Browne, reached the last four of the event.

Carrick’s Deriece Anderson showed off his talent for the game when he captured the Junior Singles title. Whitehead’s R. Ruddock also performed well, reaching the semi-finals.