Dallas primed for historic cup clash

Victor has been a lynchpin in the Lodge Road side for a number of years and has just about achieved everything in the game. But he told Times Sport that watching his son Jordan, who is the club captain, lift the famous old trophy at Belmont would eclipse it all.

“I have won Commonwealth medals and played for Ireland over 70 times but this ranks right up with these honours,” said Victor.

“There’s no higher honour in club bowls than winning Irish Cup and is only our second ever appearance in final last being in 1921 when we beat Ballymena, just before my time!

“Even players like the great Roy Fulton, Charlie Taylor and Garth Anderson never had the privilege of gracing such a final so we have achieved a lot in getting there but will mean nothing unless we win it.

“We have had two very close battles in league this season with Ballymoney with one victory each and only by a few shots each time.

“The team spirit and camaraderie within our club is second to none though and can be seen by all with our performances on the green, especially our superb semi final victory over hot favourites , Bangor and if we can repeat the same in the final we will give ourselves a great chance in the final. We owe it to ourselves and supporters who have followed us through this year’s completion to give it our all to bring the trophy home to the Lodge Road.”