Coleraine kick of the season with a home win

Almost there action from Coleraine and City of Derry on Saturday.

The Coleraine Seniors had strengthened during the off season with the signings of Stephen Smyth and Archie Robinson.

Coleraine opened up an early 13-shot advantage on their opponents before extending it to 17 at the halfway stage of the game. With five ends remaining the home side sealed a 16-shot victory over the city men, claiming six of the seven points on offer.

Over on rink four, Ian Ross’ four had an excellent win over Richard Kincaid’s quartet. The home rink opened up an early eight shot advantage before the visitors reduced the deficit to seven at the halfway stage. Mark Mason, Basil Kennedy, David Gaile and Ian extended their advantage to 12 with five ends remaining sealing a 26-13 victory.

President Jordan Dallas presenting Richard McDermott with his Honorary Member badge for Coleraine Bowling Club at Lodge Road last Wednesday afternoon. Richard was a decorated member of Coleraine Bowling Club for a long number of years, winning honours at British, Irish and Provincial level. He joined the club in 1970 and held the role as club treasurer before becoming President in 1986. Richard was also capped for Ireland in the Home International Series in 1990.

The rink of Paul O’Neill, David Reilly, Alan Irwin and Ally Davison also won well against Jim Campbell on rink three. Neither side could be separated early on before the Davison quartet opened up a seven shot lead. The Foyleside men turned the game on its head as they tied the scores with five ends to go, and it was a similar story going into the last end before the home side claimed a shot to seal a hard fought 18-17 scoreline.

On rink two Jordan Dallas, Jimmy O’Neill, Stephen Smyth and Victor found themselves one shot in arrears early on before falling three shots behind at the halfway mark. The Coleraine front end continued to lay good foundations for the back end to convert as a deserved and overdue count of six on the 16th end moved the Dallas quartet two in front. Further pressure led to a five on the 20th end for a 21-15 victory.

On rink one, Jonny Calvin’s four fell to defeat against Ken McConomy’s quartet. The home side led by five shots in the early stages before it was reduced to three shots at the halfway stage. Archie Robinson, Matthew Steen, Stephen Brewster and Jonny Calvin maintained this with five ends remaining before the visitors lifted a count of three and four in the last end ends to clinch a solitary point for the Lisnagelvin lads, with a 25-21 result.

On Saturday the Lodge Road men have a tricky home tie against a Letterkenny side smarting from a 7-0 defeat to a strong Cookstown outfit.