St Mary’s lead the way at the top of North West League

It will be a brave man to predict the eventual winner that is for sure.

There were several shocks this week but Loughanreagh losing at home to Ballinrees was certainly unexpected. St. Colman’s also got the better of the Marian in their away trip to Kilrea.

Dunloy Presbyterian were at home to St. Mary’s. In the first half Declan McCann (St. Mary’s) beat Mark Shaw (Dunloy) 10 shots to six. David Gaile (St. Mary’s) then proved too strong for Philip Paul (Dunloy) winning by 14 shots.

Facing a heavy deficit Dunloy to their credit came out fighting in the second half and with wins from Joe Campbell and Stephen Dunlop over Harold Kelly and Jordan Mullan respectively they earned themselves two points.

This win for St. Mary’s however sees them sitting at the top of the league table, one point clear of second placed Marian.

In the Loughanreagh versus Ballinrees game William Calvin picked up his first win of the season when he defeated Ian Ross (Loughanreagh) by 12 shots to four.

Uel Gordon made it 2-0 at the break for the visitors with a 17 shots to 10 victory over Edwin Irwin (Loughanreagh).

Loughanreagh fought back in the second half and had two good wins when Alan Irwin and Alastair Steele beat Jonathan Calvin and Victor Millen respectively, but Ballinrees hung on to earn the overall score.

As predicted St. Colman’s will be hard to beat as the Marian found out to their cost.

In the first half Brian McAlary (Marian) played Aaran Tennant (St. Colman’s), but Tennant was too strong, winning by 14 shots to six shots.

David Walker kept the momentum going for St. Colman’s with a 10-shot win against James Martin (Marian).

Stalwart William McCaw put the Marian on the score board with a 14 shots to seven win in his game with Martin McAleese (St. Colman’s).

However Paul McCook made sure of the win for St. Colman’s when he held on to get a seven shots apiece draw against Terence McGarry (Marian).

Second Kilrea entertained Boveedy and in a very close game it was the visitors who held on to win.

Graham Wilson (Second Kilrea) beat Doughie Morrow (Boveedy) 13 shots to seven shots. Robert Sufferin squared the match for Boveedy with a 10-shot victory over Margaret Johnston (Second Kilrea).

Soon after Nicky McCaw eased the home team in front, beating Alan Catherwood (Boveedy) by two shots.

In an exciting finish Ashley McCahon (Boveedy) gained a one shot advantage against Ivan Smyth (Second Kilrea) to gain a very valuable five points for his team.

Meanwhile, in Division 2 league contenders, Finvoy Presbyterian eased past Garvagh & District to lead the pack in at the top of the table.

Chris Jones (Finvoy) was too strong for Elizabeth McCafferty (Garvagh) and young Adam Hunter (Finvoy) beat David Workman (Garvagh) 14 shots to five shots. Wins from Joe Moore and Roy Hunter, both Finvoy, against Geoffrey Boyce and Ken McLenaghan (Garvagh) respectively made it a full house for the visitors.

New Row got back to winning ways when they defeated Drumreagh. Sammy McArthur (New Row) was first up and he beat Raymond Clyde (Drumreagh) 14 shots to 10 shots.

Mark Callaghan (New Row) made it two by defeating Carson Boyd (Drumreagh) 16 shots to four shots. Aubrey Walker pulled a game back for the visitors when he won against John Graham (New Row). Jonathan Elder sealed the win for New Row when he overcame Edwin Jackson (Drumreagh) 11 shots to five.

First Coleraine playing at home had a scare against Castlerock. They trailed the ‘Rock by 15 shots at half time as Victor Callaghan (Castlerock) had a big win against Bryan Shaw (First Coleraine) and Clifford McLernon (First Coleraine) and Terry Campbell (Castlerock) could not be separated on 10 shots apiece.

John Camac started the fight back for First Coleraine when he beat Brian Wilson (Castlerock) 12 shots to three shots. Jim Campbell (First Coleraine) won by 10 shots against Ronnie Steele (Castlerock) to get the three bonus points.