Northern Men through to semi finals of Inter-Zone Shield

NORTHERN Men secured their place in the last four of the IIBA Inter-Zone Shield Competition following their convincing 82-34 win over their Cork counterparts last Saturday.

Northern Zone Convener DJ Connelly welcomed Mr M Sisk and the members of the Cork Men’s team and spectators, before wishing all a good afternoon’s bowling.

In the first half the Northern Men settled quickly to the task in hand and half way through led 28-9. The Cork Men having got the feel of the mats came back a little but some telling bowls by skips S White and I Ross kept the pressure on to leave the half time score 36-19 to the hosts.

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After the ladies had served afternoon tea to everyone, the second half saw the Northern Men settle quickly and finished strongly running out 46-15 winners.

Mr D Hunter IIBA Honorary Secretary, welcomed the Cork men who were able to come up today and not snowed in like last Saturday. He congratulated both teams on playing a very competitive game to watch, and wished the Northern Men good bowling in the semi-final and wished the Cork Team a very safe journey home.

Mr M Sisk, on congratulating Northern on a very fine win, paid tribute to both teams for playing the game in a very sporting manner, he expressed thanks to the ladies for the very enjoyable afternoon tea, and wished the Northern Men all the best in the semi-final.

The Northern Zone Convener DJ Connelly, in thanking Michael for his congratulations and good wishes, thanked both teams for playing a very competitive game of bowls. He also thanked John McKenna for arranging the use of Our Lady and St Patrick’s Hall and for having put down the mats.

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Thanks were also passed on to Davy Culbertson, James Elliott and Brian Shaw, for acting as Umpires and the ladies for serving afternoon tea.

The Northern Men will play neighbours North Eastern Men in the semi-final at home this Saturday 23 January, at 2pm in Our Lady and St. Patrick’s Hall Ballymoney.

The team selected will be the same as played on Saturday past:

Rink 1 - S.Sayers, Dunloy Pres, D.Reilly, Loughanreagh J.Martin, Marian and S.White, Boveedy.

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Rink 2 - J.Elder, New Row Pres, W.Calvin Ballinrees, A.Irwin, Loughanreagh, and I.Ross Loughanreagh.

Rink 3 - A.Kelly, Ballinrees, J.J.O’Neill, Montra, E.Irwin, Loughanreagh, and A.Steele Loughanreagh.

Rink 4 - A.Cassley, St.Olcan’s, T.Workman, Moneydig Pres., N.McCaw, 2nd Kilrea Pres, and B.McAlary, Marian.

Rink 5 - G.Steele, Loughanreagh, N.McMullan, Loughanreagh, D.McCann, St.Mary’s, and N.Gamble, Boveedy.

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Rink 6 - J.McKee, Loughanreagh, M.Shaw, Dunloy Pres, J.Calvin, Ballinrees, and C.Jones Finvoy Pres.

Reserves - G.Gaile, Castlerock NW and G.O’Kane, Marian.

Players please note the match starts at 2pm, players to be in the hall by 1.30pm and dress to be white shirts, grey trousers and proper bowling shoes.

Any player not available to play please contact Zone Convener DJ Connelly at 028 276 64097 or J McIlroy, at 028295 40640.

Rinks: S.White 17, C.Middleton, Jnr. 8; I.Ross 12, M.Sisk 3; B.McAlary 7, P.Barry 8; A.Steele 13, C.Middleton, Snr. 7; N.Gamble 13, A.Tanner 4; C.Jones 20, P.McCarthy 4.