Coleraine boys hope to bring Dunluce glory in Irish Senior

For two of the team are Coleraine men - Alastair Kennedy and Jim Platt.

Alastair and Jim are looking forward, with the rest of the Bushmills team, to taking on St James’s Gate from Dublin in the finals to be played this Saturday (August 27th).

Jim has been playing with the club for around eight years while Alastair is a more recent recruit, joining three years ago.

Alastair told the Times: “It is just brilliant for the club as this is the first time in the club’s history that we have reached the Irish Cup final.

“In the quarter final we beat the favourites and then Ballymoney became the favourites and we went on to beat them in the semi-final.

“We now travel to the Ulster Transport Club in Jordanstown this weekend for the final.”

Barry Kane secured his side’s spot in the final following his fantastic 33-10 win over Ballymoney’s Gary Kelly.

“It was the club’s first IBA Cup semi final and everyone played a part,” said a modest Barry Kane. “We went into the game as underdogs, but that suited us.

“We can now all look forward to the biggest day in the club’s history .

“Having come this far, we now want to finish the job and write our names into the history books.”

Only two NIPBA clubs have won the competition in the past - Coleraine in 1921 and Magherafelt in 1982.

It’s sure to be a terrific affair which should go all the way.

Meanwhile Kilrea will take on Downpatrickin the Junior Challenge Cup final.

NIPBA President, Jim McIlroy, who is a stalwart of the Kilrea Club says it will be a great day for the Provincials.

“To have two teams in the respective finals is tremendous for the NIPBA,” he said.

“I’d like to wish Dunluce and Kilrea the best of luck and a good day’s bowling.”

The Coleraine Times would Like to wish both teams good luck!