Castle Bar out to defend pool trophy

THE picture became clearer as results from last week's matches in the A McLean Bookmakers Premier Division were analyzed.

Coach travelled to Dromore to face Mulholland’s knowing that only a win would take them one step closer to the title. Kevin Doherty led from the front by winning the first game, he was backed up by Mucker McMullan who impressed with his potting skills whilst under pressure from his Mulholland's opponent.

The third consecutive win for the champions elect was that of Ronnie Hudson. Scott Jess had a double twist of good fortune, in escaping a snooker he also snookered his opponent, from the free table he went on to put Mulholland's on the score board.

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In the fifth Stevie Doherty pulled out all the stops to guarantee Coach at least a point. At 4-1 there was still work to do especially when Mulholland's closed the gap when Wes McDowell defeated D Topley.

With two games still to be played the outcome was by no means certain. The important seventh frame was all about tactics, the sort of game Barry McGeown relishes. He was well within his comfort zone potting then snookering his opponent. When the chance came he made sure it was the black only that disappeared for maximum points.

With the match over Martin Mulholland won the eighth to leave the final result 5-3 in favour of Coach. A draw or better in their final match against McGrath's and Coach will be crowned champions.

Should Coach lose it is mathematically possible Market Bar can tie with the champions elect. Market held onto that thought by putting on a commanding performance whilst at home to McGraths.

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The first six matches all went in favour of Market with a solitary reply for the visitors through Steven Byrne. Had Market produced this sort of form earlier in the season who knows, they might not be depending on others to force a play-off.

As well as relying on results going their way they must also win their final two games of the season, one of those is a local derby match against Mulholland's while the other is against Higgins’ who are also in the running for the runners up spot.

Higgins’ travelled to Anglers in what was also a runners-up spot showdown. The temperature rose in the very first game when M McClean got the better of Barry Crossey or should that be cross Barry for not finishing the game when he had the chance.

It was 1-1 when P Devlin recorded a win for the home team. Higgins restored the lead through David Wilton. The league Individual champion Brendan Davis faced Anglers captain Kieron McGrath. The referee was kept busy in this one as at one stage the game was stopped as a debate regarding the rules took place. The home team captain would eventually complete the game to square the match.

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Also in the Higgins ranks is former two time Individual’s winner Colly Wilton. He restored the visitors lead at 3-2. Ivor McGrath attempted to square the match for the third time, Warren Buchannan was having none of it and increased the visitors lead to 4-2.

With a draw still possible Micky Ward reduced the deficit to one. A share of the points was not part of Paddy Kelly’s game plan as he tore through the colours and black for a very important victory, two points and a big shout in the race for the runners up spot.

The final tournament of the season will be completed next Monday night in The Imperial Bar when four players compete in the final of The Eddie Fearon Memorial Doubles. The following night, Tuesday March 30, the final of the Brendan McAdam Memorial Knockout Cup sponsored by The Coach Inn takes place in what will be standing room only in the pool room.

It is a repeat of last year’s final when Castle Bar will be out to defend the trophy against Coach whom they team they defeated last season. Before the final takes place presentations will be made at 8.30pm to the successful A McLean Bookmaker’s Division winners and runners up.

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