Dunbarton comeback earns unlikely three points at Ballymena

DUNBARTON A 82 (3pts)

The Dunbarton bowlers maintained their position as favourites to win Private Greens Senior Division One after a dramatic night of bowls last Tuesday night.

Travelling to reigning champions and title rivals Ballymena, the locals endured a horrible start and never looked like defeating their opponents. However, due to a determined display of character, the Gilford men fought like Trojans during the run in and despite having looked likely to gain one point at most throughout the game, managed to emerge with three and therefore reduce Ballymena to four.

To brighten up their evening, word came through that the other title contenders Belmont had lost away to Ulster Transport scoring just two points.

Whilst Conor McCartan’s rink matched their rivals straight away, the other three visiting rinks struggled early on. After just five ends, the away side already trailed by 17 shots and this margin was extended to a massive 29 shots by the midpoint. A fightback of huge proportions was necessary and sure enough the away rinks did not disappoint.

Not only did Conor McCartan gain his point but DJ Wilson’s four managed to win all of their final eight ends to turn a five shot deficit into a four shot win. And if that showed character, this was overshadowed by the efforts of Myles Greenfield and his four.

Despite trailing 0-12, 7-18 and 12-23 after 14 ends, the locals produced an inspired finish to score 12 shots over the final four ends to chalk up a remarkable five shot victory.

Despite losing overall by six points, due to a heavy defeat for Andy Hughes’ four, this felt like a victory for the Gilford bowlers.