DUNLUCE GO TOP OF NORTH WEST LEAGUE

Loughanreagh are still breathing down Dunluce’s neck after a five points to two win over third placed Marian. Things did not look too promising for the home team as the Marian went into a 2-0 lead at the break, thanks to James Martin and Joe Martin taking the scalps of Ian Ross and Edwin Irwin (Loughanreagh) respectively.

A big win for Alan Irwin (Loughanreagh) against William McCaw (Marian) put Loughanreagh back into contention and when Alastair Steele (Loughanreagh) had a last gasp win over Brian McAlary (Marian) the overall win went to a relieved, Loughanreagh.

Second Kilrea is struggling this season. This week they lost at home to a confident St. Colman’s team. It started very well for the home team with Brian McGrath beating Kenny Shirlow (St. Colman’s) 11 shots to five. Paul McCook put St Colman’s on the board when he defeated Margaret Johnston (2nd. Kilrea) by 10 shots. David Walker (St. Colman’s) beat Ivan Smyth (2nd. Kilrea) to ease the visitors further ahead and the in-form Martin McAleese made sure of the win for St. Colman’s with a 13 shots to seven win against Nicky McCaw (2nd. Kilrea).

Bottom placed Moneydig made ground on Second Kilrea with a very good win against an inconsistent Ballinrees team. Uel Gordon (Ballinrees) got the visitors off to a good start with a 12 shots to nine win against John Wallace. Trevor Workman (Moneydig) levelled the match by beating Jonathan Calvin (Ballinrees) 21 shots to two. Victor Millen (Ballinrees) earned his team a second point when he beat Alan McAleese (Moneydig) by six shots. Willie Knight got the bonus points for the home team winning 11 shots to six against William Calvin (Ballinrees).

New Row is back on top of Division 2 once again. They had a very good away win, this time at Castlerock’s expense, winning all four games in the process. Jonathan Elder got the visitors off to a fine start when he won by two shots against Ronnie Steele (Castlerock).

Sammy McArthur (New Row) then beat Brian Wilson (Castlerock) 10 shots to six. Mark Callaghan made it 3-0 for New Row with a 13 shots to seven over Victor Callaghan (Castlerock). Jackie Hutchinson tried to give the home supporters some cheer but his rink went down to John Graham (New Row).

Dunloy Presbyterian, who are also vying for league honours had their hopes dashed this week when they only picked up one point in their visit to First Coleraine. Robert Campbell got the home team up and running, beating Wesley Caldwell (Dunloy) 16 shots to two. Bryan Shaw (1st. Coleraine) raced into an 11 shot lead, but Dunloy ably guided by Joe Campbell fought back to go down by just one shot. Stephen Dunlop got Dunloy’s only point, beating Jim Campbell (1st. Coleraine) 10 shots to five. Colin Hutchinson made sure of the overall win for First Coleraine, beating Mark Shaw (Dunloy) eight shots to four.

Finvoy Presbyterian is just half a point behind leaders, New Row, thanks to a home win against Drumreagh. Joe Moore (Finvoy) beat Carson Boyd (Drumreagh) 14 shots to six and Chris Jones made it 2-0 for the home team with a 12 shots to four win against Edwin Jackson (Drumreagh). Raymond Clyde pulled a point back for the visitors by beating Gary McCloy 13 shots to five. Donna McCloy (Finvoy) made sure there were no more

slip-ups with a nine shot victory over Aubrey Walker (Drumreagh).

NORTHERN ZONE PAIRS COMPETITION

Play commences in the above competition in Ballybrakes Stadium on Friday 15 February at 6.45pm and NOT 7.15pm as stated earlier.