Paul notches hat-trick of Duneane singles titles

The Irish international won the title for a record-breaking third time, to bring the curtain down on a thrilling and successful tournament.

Paul, representing Cookstown High School, already has his name in the competition’s record books as the only bowler to win the title in successive years, in 2000 and 2001.

Ten years on, he completed the hat-trick - but not without a number of scares along the way.

Earlier in the evening, at the first round stage, Paul had trailed Mark Sproule (Portadown) by a shot going into the last end of their match, only to produce some last-gasp heroics, with a ‘2’ giving him a 7-6 victory.

He flirted with elimination even more in his semi-final win over Portadown’s Aidan Corrigan, trailing 8-1 after six ends before winning the last four ends to secure a 10-8 scoreline.

There were less worries for Paul in the final, against Hillsborough’s Nicky Haire, as he led by three going into the 12th and final end and managed to restrict his opponent to a single shot, to seal a 10-8 victory.

Four Mid-Antrim bowlers had reached the finals night and fate dictated that all four were drawn together in two matches in the opening round!

In those meetings, Graham Maybin (First Ahoghill) beat Brian Trimble (Old Bleach) by two shots, while James Gaston (First Broughshane) saw off the vastly-experienced Tom Morrison (First Ahoghill).

However, both Maybin and Gaston’s interest was ended at the quarter-final stage, with Graham suffering a 14-0 defeat at the hands of Aidan Corrigan (Portadown), while James was edged out 7-5 by Glenn Wilson (Maghera Pres).

After the treacherous weather conditions this time last year produced the lowest finals, night crowd in the tournament’s history, the more favourable elements this year produced a bumper attendance, which resulted in extra chairs having to be drafted into the hall.

The charity collection from the week raised £300 for the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.

Duneane chairman Robert Chesney thanked everyone involved in making the tournament a success, from organiser Jim Richardson, who as always ensured the event ran smoothly, to umpires, markers and the ladies who provided tea on the nights.

And there was more good news as long-time sponsors Superseal Windows, Castledawson - who were represented by Kenneth Taylor and his wife Anne - announced they are to renew their backing for next year’s event.

“Getting sponsorship in the current economic climate is a difficult task but for Superseal Windows to give us their backing a year in advance is fantastic and we are deeply indebted to them,” added Jim.

FINALS NIGHT SCOREBOARD

First round: Robert Hosseini (Tamlaght) 4, Hugh Traynor (Tullysaran) 7; Alan Paul (Cookstown High School) 7, Mark Sproule (Portadown) 6; Stevie Mulholland (Lisburn) 6, Aidan Corrigan (Portadown) 13; Graham Maybin (First Ahoghill) 9, Brian Trimble (Old Bleach) 7; Nicky Haire (Hillsborough) 9, Nigel Todd (All Saints, Larne) 8; John Carson (Donaghmore) 7, John Quinn (Donegal) 8; James Gaston (First Broughshane) 8, Tom Morrison (First Ahoghill) 5; Glenn Wilson (Maghera Pres) 10, Ray Gourley (Loughaghrey) 8.

Quarter-finals: Paul 10, Traynor 5; Corrigan 14, Maybin 0; Haire 10, Quinn 3; Gaston 5, Wilson 7.

Semi-finals: Paul 10, Corrigan 8; Haire 10, Wilson 3.

Final: Paul 10, Haire 8.