Contenders in slender win over McGrath's

Title chasers Higgins had a tough derby match against McGrath's. Game one was over in just a matter of minutes when M. McClean cleared the table following his opponent’s break. Mick Kinneen replied straight away to tie at 1-1.

As expected in a close encounter such as this each game would be fiercely contested. This was the case as after four games the two sides could not be separated at two apiece. Liam Gribben had the visitors ahead after the fifth. The lead was short lived when C.McCordick levelled.

The seventh was an outstanding game between two players who knew each others game inside out, the reason being they have both played for McGrath's. Francis Donnelly was out to make sure ex McGrath's player Paddy Donaghy would not have the run of the table. His tactics led to Paddy being forced onto the back foot.

Paddy produced the shot of the match to gain position on the black, from there he finished the game for a slender 4-3 home advantage.

The eighth and final game was as competitive as all the previous when Seamus McGrath got the opportunity he grabbed it with both hands to earn the visitors a draw. Although the draw was a fair result on the night Higgins were the most disappointed as this was an opportunity to close the gap on Coach missed.

An opportunity was also missed in the match between title contenders Castle Bar and Mulholland's. Both knew only a win and two points were of value to one or other of the two contestants.

Each win by a player was quickly cancelled out in the next game as both were level at 2-2. Once again the pattern repeated itself in the next two games.

With the match now finely balanced Gordy Magennis won the seventh to put Castle within grasp of the two vital points. Although the two points were out of reach for Mulholland's they were equally determined to gain at least one of the points to keep their title aspirations alive.

The players themselves knew just how vital the point was, as a result safety play was top of the agenda. There was disappointment for Castle Bar when Gary Crawford potted the black to secure the draw. Although a fair result both teams have now lost ground on leaders Coach who had a bye.

At the other end of the table Banbridge Legion continue to search for an elusive win in an attempt to ascend the table. It seems they will have to wait another week as Anglers quest to stay above them was successful by winning six games to Legion’s two. The gap between the two in the table has now widened to six points.

In other news The Leader sponsored Individuals draw has now been made.

Details will now be delivered to each venue. As previously stated this tournament takes place entirely in the Coach Inn and commences next Monday and Tuesday.

Seventy players will compete in various rounds for the title, please ensure you read the draw as to which round you will be playing in.

A. McLean Bookmakers Premier Division

PlydPts

Coach1011

Market Bar A109

Higgins99

Castle Bar A108

Mulhollands108

McGrath's107

Anglers A97

Banbridge Legion101

Planters 00