Stubbs grabs glory in Broughshane singles tournament

A familiar face eamrged as the winner as the Broughshane Playing Fields Association singles tournament reached an exciting conclusion at the weekend.
Finalists in the annual Broughshane Playing Fields Association singles tournament pictured with BPFA chairman Doran Turtle. INBT07-261ACFinalists in the annual Broughshane Playing Fields Association singles tournament pictured with BPFA chairman Doran Turtle. INBT07-261AC
Finalists in the annual Broughshane Playing Fields Association singles tournament pictured with BPFA chairman Doran Turtle. INBT07-261AC

Raymond Stubbs, of Ballinderry Bowling Club, no stranger to success on the short mat scene, where he has a tremendous record in tournament play, emerged from an entry of 190 players to claim the title last Saturday night.

He overcame the challenge of Antrim Indoor Bowling Club playter Darren McCullough, thereby ending hopes of a Mid-Antrim winner.

The tournament, now in its 43rd year, once again attracted entries from all parts of the province and was played out in front of an excellent and appreciative crowd at the Knockan Road venue.

The five qualifying nights reduced the field to 10 players who returned to Broughshane to compete for the title in one of the Irish Indoor Bowling Association’s longest-established tournaments,

The open draw on finals night produced the following results:

First round: Jonathan Calvin (Loughanreagh) bt David Morrison (1st Ahoghill) ; Darren McCullough (Antrim IBC) bt Christopher Hegarty (Killyman, Dungannon)

Quarter-finals: Darren McCullough bt Jonathan Calvin; David McCullough (Ballymena Golf Club) bt Martin McNicholl (St Canice’s, Dungiven); Darren Witherspoon (All Saints, Larne) bt Adam Hunter (Finvoy); Raymond Stubbs bt Timothy Rock (Cullybackey Methodist)

Semi finals: Darren McCullough bt David McCullough; Raymond Stubbs bt Darren Witherspoon

In the 12 end final, it was Darren McCullough who stuck first with a single on the opening end.

Raymond’s response was immediate, replying with a single on the second end.

Thereafter, Raymond (pictured inset, receiving his award from BPFA chairman Doran Turtle) moved gradually ahead establishing control with a series of excellent drawing bowls.

Darren, to his credit, battled bravely and took the game to the 12th and final end, only for Raymond to close the game out and thereby claim his first tournament victory of 2015.

Broughshane Playing Fields Association tournament chairman Doran Turtle thanked everyone involved in helping to make the tournament a success, notably Wrightbus, who once again generously sponsored the competition.