McKee notches singles success at Duneane

A close call for the umpire who measures at Duneane Bowling Club finals night. INAT 52-904H

The Rosemount bowler won the competition after beating Scott Jess (St Mark’s, Portadown) by 12 shots to five in the final.

He was presented with the Jim Richardson Memorial Shield - in memory of the hugely respected former tournament organiser - by Jim’s son Gary.

It brought to an end another very successful tournament, which saw some 245 bowlers competiting over eight nights, with entrants coming from as far afield as Dundalk, Drogheda, Donegal and all counties of Northern Ireland.

Fifteen bowlers returned for finals night with a good crowd spectating.

The Mid-Antrim area had three reperesentatives on finals night with Wesley Caldwell (Michelin) and David Morrison (First Ahoghill) bowing out at the opening hurdle, the latter beaten by James Gaston (First Broughshane) who in turn was eliminated at the quarter-final stage.

Edmund McLarnon (Club Treasurer) handed over a cheque for £300 to this year’s charity Little Hearts Matter. This cheque was gratefully received by representative Margaret Chesney.

Special mention was also made of the competition’s long-time sponsor Superseal Windows, whose backing has been invaluable over the years.

FINALS NIGHT SCOREBOARD

First round: John Carson (Donaghmore) 8, Billy Clinghan (Dromore) 6; Andrew Leckey (St Mark’s Portadown) 5, Danny McStravock (St Mary’s Desertmartin) 8; Michael Beattie (Ballinderry) 3, Graham Mckee (Rosemount) 7; James Gaston (First Broughshane) 7, David Morrison (First Ahoghill 5); Stephen McCall (Armagh Golf Club) 6, Stephen Jeffers (Kildress) 7; Wesley Caldwell (Michelin) 6, Ryan Cavan (Ballyhalbert) 8; Jackie Erskine (Rosemount) 7, Scott Jess (St Mark’s Portadown) 9.

Quarter-finals: Carson 6, McStravock 8; McKee 9, Gaston 4; Jeffers 9, Cavan 8; Jess 9, Tommy Johnston (St Joseph’s Kildress) 7.

Semi-finals: McStravock 9, McKee 11; Jeffers 5, Jess 7.

Final: McKee 12, Jess 5.