Dunbarton smash Irish Cup holders

The Dunbarton A team showed the sort of form that has won them three Irish Senior Cups since 2001 with a magnificent 93-67 defeat of reigning Irish Cup holders Coleraine last Saturday.

Facing the locals on their own green was on paper a very difficult test for the Gilford men, but the hosts were simply blown away by an outstanding Dunbarton performance.

On a fast green, with the sun shining, the holders looked confident as they strode onto the green, but little did they know what would await them as the visitors applied pressure right from the off with some terrific bowls. End after end, the locals peppered the jack and the home side were unable to stop the Dunbarton juggernaut.

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An early ten shot lead after three ends was increased to 20 shots at the midpoint and this continued to rise during the second half to a very impressive 26 shot success by the close. In truth, the visitors were in complete control.

Amazingly all four rinks emerged victorious with Andy Hughes and his excellent front three of David Copeland, Tony Bell and Stevie Adamson leading the way with a superb 13 shot success. DJ Wilson’s rink were in command right from the off and won comfortably by five shots while Myles Greenfield’s four fought off a determined comeback from their opponents to win by four shots. Only Conor McCartan’s rink ever looked in trouble as they trailed by nine shots at one stage but with a terrific fightback, they stormed home by four shots to ensure all four away rinks were victorious.

Rink 1

D Copeland, T Bell, S Adamson, A Hughes up 25-12

Andy’s four produced a polished performance, starting strongly and never looking in trouble. An early 6-2 lead after the first quarter was extended to 19-4 after 11 ends. From then on it was plain sailing and the locals eased to a fully deserved 13 shot success.

Rink 2

C Trainor, G Moore, G McElroy, C McCartan up 22-18

The home skip was in fine fettle and led his rink to a 5-12 lead at the midpoint but Conor’s four took confidence from the rinks either side and moved up through the gears. At the three quarter stage, their deficit had been narrowed to three shots and over the final five ends the locals’ momentum carried them through to a fine four shot success.

Rink 3

J Moffatt, M Merritt, P Convery, DJ Wilson up 22-17

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An early 7-0 advantage after four ends was increased to 12-4 at the midpoint. At the three quarters mark, they led by seven and claimed a very comfortable five shot success. Rink 4

M Higgins, C Mulholland, M Trainor, M Greenfield up 24-20

Skip Myles and his team mates led 19-9 at 12 ends and, although the levelled at 17 ends. the Gilford men dug in to gain a hard earned four shot win and ensure all four visiting rinks finished ahead.

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