Bowls: Mid-Ulster through to face Oriel in inter-zones final

Mid Ulster Junior Zone team who lost out in the group stages of the 2016 Junior Inter Zone competition held in Belfast I.B.C. Shaw's Bridge, Belfast on Saturday last.

Their last final appearance saw them come from behind to beat Oriel and this promises to be a titanic encounter and, gripping the imagination of the bowls world. Oriel have had the tougher campaign but were favoured by home games against Western, Armagh and North West while Mid-Ulster faced limited opposition until the semi-final in Monaghan.

Oriel have had to be at the top of their game, Mid-Ulster yet to show their best form and this is the ideal opportunity to upset the team which neutrals expect to win. Mid-Ulster have a good record against Oriel and there is no reason why they cannot reclaim the title in Killyman on Saturday. With the GO League season nearing its conclusion, Cookstown High closed the gap with a home win over Parochial A though it is unlikely to prevent Parochial retaining the title.

St Joseph’s are in greatest danger having suffered from the loss of several players this season. Section 2 is a battle between 1st Magherafelt and St Mary’s for top spot.

Derryloran 42(3) Lafarge 50(8)

Kildress 63(10) Cook Par B 27(1)

Cook High 51(9) Cook Par A 39(2)

St Joseph’s 36(2) Kildress 51(9)

Lafarge 45(9) Moortown 44(2)

Moortown 23(0) Cook Par A 47(11)

St John’s 21(0) RBL 56(11)

RBL 38(9) Molesworth 35(2)

Ballinderry 38(3) RBL 42(8)

Section 1: Cook Par A 14 136, Cook High 12 104½, Kildress 12 79, Lafarge 13 77, Lisnagleer 12 61, Cook Par B 12 60½ Moortown 12 42½ Derryloran 12 35½ St Joseph’s 13 20 SECTION 2 P Points 1st Magh 12 97½ RBL 14 96 St Mary’s 12 92½ St Swith Mixed 12 72½ Tamlaght 10 62½ SixTowns 12 56 Ballinderry 12 54 Molesworth 14 50½ St John’s 12 23½