Belvoir Park knock Banbridge out of the B and D Cup

BANBRIDGE were dealt a tough draw in this year’s Belfast and District Cup.

Team captain, Paul Magee, guided his men safely through the first two rounds, against Knock and Donaghadee. But then he came up against the 2011 champions, Belvoir Park. That would prove to be a step too far.

Banbridge won the first leg at home, by 4 games to 3. That was good but they really needed at least one point more.

Colin Wilton beat Connor Wilson 4 and 2; Rory Leonard beat Matt Wylie 4 and 3; Connor Doran beat Barry Cashman 3 and 1; Jim Carvill beat Mark Norton 3 and 2.

That was four points from the top four players. Unfortunately, the remaining three players lost, albeit narrowly.

Rory Madeley lost to Harry Diamond 3 and 2. Harry, who had never played Banbridge before, started birdie, eagle and that shook Rory quite a bit.

Neil Clydesdale lost by two holes against Johnny Webb.

Jonathan Ward also lost by two holes against David Shaw.

Banbridge went to Belvoir Park last Thursday needing four wins out of the seven games. They had players well capable of doing so but it didn’t happen.

Rory Leonard beat David Shaw 4 and 3.

Colin Wilton beat Johnny Webb 6 and 5.

Those were two brilliant wins but that was as good as it got.

Johnny Ward lost to Harry Diamond by two holes; Connor Doran lost 3 and 2 against Simon Ward; Jim Carvill lost 3 and 2 against Barry Cashman; Rory Madeley lost 3 and 2 against Matt Wylie.

Neil Clydesdale had a winning opportunity but lost by two holes to Ross McConnell.

Belvoir Park had won the match by 8 points to 6.

Belvoir Park proved to be the stronger team over the two legs and we can only wish them well as they attempt to retain the trophy.

As for Banbridge, it looked for a while that it could be their year. It just wasn’t to be.