Banbridge reach Barton Shield semi-finals

One team would emerge from each venue and they will contest the semi-finals and final at Lisburn Golf Club on Sunday August 5.

Banbridge went to Lurgan early in the morning and their first opponents were Ardglass.

Connor Doran and Jim Carvill finished 4 up against Cormac Sharvin and Johnny Feenan.

Rory Leonard and Colin Wilton were one down after 17 holes against Daniel Vaughan and Gary Hamill.

That was good enough to secure the victory.

In the other morning match, Warrenpoint beat Lurgan.

So, in the afternoon, it was a meeting of old rivals, Banbridge and Warrenpoint. Down the years, these two teams have had numerous battles and very little separates them in terms of ability.

This match would prove no different but it always looked as if Banbridge wanted it more and were more focused.

Rory Leonard and Colin Wilton went out first against Ryan Gribben and Colm Campbell. The Banbridge pair got off to a brilliant start and they were three up after seven holes. True to form, the Warrenpoint men hit back and levelled the score after 10 holes. Rory and Colin were not perturbed and they stuck to the task, hit some brilliant shots and won the game one up.

Connor Doran and Jim Carvill met Paddy Gribben and Stephen Coulter in the second match. Banbridge were never behind in this game either. Connor and Jim got to three up after 12 holes but then lost 14 and 15. It was only a temporary setback as they quickly won the 15th and 16th to finish off the contest. Warrenpoint had run out of holes and they conceded defeat.

So we all have a big day to look forward to on Sunday August 5. It’s the Ulster semi-finals and final of the Barton Shield. It doesn’t get much bigger than that.