Coach close in on the title

COACH have one hand on the A McLean Premier Division Shield.

It could have been two and the title in the bag had they managed to defeat Banbridge Legion.

Previously other teams thought it was just a matter of turning up against Legion for an easy two points. This has not been the case this second half as Legion has played exceptionally well to take points off the top teams.

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Coach had two opportunities in games seven and eight to secure the title. Both Barry McGeown and Coach captain Stevie Gartland had shots at the black. The black went down, but so too did the cue ball leaving leaving R Baird and M McCullough as winners for Legion in this their final match of the season.

Despite being bottom of the table for most of the season Legion turned out every match. A pity other teams have failed to show Legion’s conviction to turn up and play pool.

Higgins had an opportunity to make ground on the division leaders. In their way were Castle Bar who are hovering around mid table, a position which is foreign to them as they always usually in the mix.

This was always going to be a close encounter and sure enough after four games the two teams were tied. When Castle won the next two through Paul O'Hagan and Gordy Magennis at least a point was guaranteed.

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Higgins’ fought back for a draw which keeps the title race alive with a win each for Warren Buchanan then Paddy Kelly. Probably the right result for the match was the comment but not the result for Higgins’ title aspirations, they need Coach to lose both remaining matches but must also win their own to force a play-off.

Also in the hunt are Anglers. They collected another two points courtesy of dominating a match away to McGrath's. Barry Crossey set the ball rolling in the first with Noel Tumilty gaining the win for the points in the seventh. They must also wait and see the Coach results.

Should Coach slip up the chasing pack are snapping at their heels. Add the following postponed matches to be played: McGrath's v Castle, Anglers v Mulholland's and Market v Mulholland's and the race is not over just yet.

The final tournament of the season, the Eddie Fearon memorial doubles sponsored by A McLean Bookmakers, is reaching its final stages. The finalists will be more than eager to lift the substantial prize fund on offer.

A McLean Bookmakers Premier Division

PlydPts

Coach1617

Market Bar A 1513

Higgin's1613

Anglers A 1513

Mulholland's 1411

Castle Bar A 1511

McGrath's158

Banbridge Legion 168

Planters 00

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