Champions kick off the new season with an away win at Ballinrees

Last year’s NW League champions, St. Colman’s, have started off this year’s campaign with an away win against Ballinrees.

It was not all plain sailing for the visitors, for in the first half Victor Millen (Ballinrees) beat Paul McCook (St. Colman’s) 12-4 whilst Uel Gordon (Ballinrees) held David Walker (St. Colman’s) to a draw. This gave Ballinrees an eight shot advantage at the break. However Aaran Tennant and Martin McAleese, both St. Colman’s had convincing wins over brothers David and William Calvin (Ballinrees) to secure the overall win.

St. Mary’s entertained Loughanreagh but it was the away team who made all the running to emerge with a very welcome six points. Ian Ross got Loughanreagh off to the perfect start when he beat Paul Donnelly (St. Mary’s) 10-3. Nigel Gamble (Loughanreagh) added a second point by beating John Campbell (St. Mary’s) by four shots.

Alan Irwin (Loughanreagh) kept the momentum going with a nine shot victory against Harold Kelly (St. Mary’s). Declan McCann got St. Mary’s consolation point with a fine 13-7 win over Alistair Steele ( Loughanreagh).

Second Kilrea struggled all last year to get points but they put this behind them with a very good away win over Dunluce.

The Marian made the short trip over to Boveedy and came home with five points. At half time the Marian lead by 17 shots as Aidan Cassley and James Martin both had wins over Doughie Morrow and Robert Sufferin (Boveedy) respectively. Boveedy regrouped to win both second half games.