IT'S HATS OFF TO BOROUGH BOWLERS

IT'S hats off to Ballymoney Bowlers this week after the club recorded an historic win over Lisnagarveyon Saturday to reach the final of the IBA Senior Cup - the blue riband trophy in the sport.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th Aug 2010, 16:43 BST

Ballymoney romped home by 105 points to 70 with Alistair Steele (Skip) mastermanding a magnificent result with the aid of Aaron Tennant (lead), Martin McAleese (second) and Ken Shirley (third). The four lads helped Ballymoney build a huge cushion following their 40 points to 6 win and after that they never looked back.

The victory was hailed as one of the great moments at the club. Not since their formation in 1904 have they got to the final of this competition and a win is now tantalisngly close.

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Their opponents in the final on Saturday, August 28 at Belmont will be Ballymena, throwing up an intriguing local derby contest that is certain to bring out the best in all.

Davy Walker, a member of the team, told the Times: "We ventured into the unknown when playing Lisnagarvey. They are a very strong team and are normally challenging for a number of titles, but we rose to the occasion and now have everything to look forward to."

Nicky McCaw beat Irish player Noel Graham 23-17 while Willie McCaw defeated Neil Mulholland 24-17.

Keith Morrison restored a little pride for Garvey with an excellent 32-16 win against Gary Kelly, Ballymoney's international representative, but by that stage Ballymoney were home and dry.

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Ballymoney Bowling Club are dominant in the Provincial League standing 30 points clear of the opposition and with five games left, should comfortably win the title. It is 10 years since they last won the league.

Last year they won the Piggot Cup for the first time and are taking part in the Mullan Cup this Friday night at Coleraine Bowling club.

Davy admits they will be again entering into the unkown against Ballymoney who triumphed 82 to 62 against Portrush at Ballymoney.

"Just as we had to do against Lisnagarvey, we'll attempt the same against Ballymena. I would say they are the slight favourites, but if we can raise our game we'll definitely make a match of it."

The semi final win has injected a big buzz at the club and the expectations are hight for a win in what surely will be an epic final.