Victory puts St Colman’s title charge on track

The Marian are also showing some form as was demonstrated in their home win against Loughanreagh. Third placed, St. Mary’s had no game this week.

In the St. Colman’s match, both David Walker and Paul McCook (St. Colman’s) had good wins in the first half against Hugh Paul and Margaret Johnston respectively. In the second half, Nicky McCaw pulled a game back for Second Kilrea, with a comprehensive win against Aaran Tennant (St. Colman’s). Martin McAleese (St. Colman’s) made sure there were no slip-ups with a 12-2 win against Ivan Smyth.

The Marian, playing at home, had a 17 shot win against Loughanreagh. Brian McAlary (Marian) played Edwin Irwin (L’reagh) and Brian won 9-5. James Martin (Marian) then beat Alastair Steele (L’reagh) 19-7 to give the Marian a 2-0 lead at the break. Ian Ross got a game back for Loughanreagh with his defeat of Aidan Cassley (Marian). In the last game William McCaw (Marian) had just one shot to spare against Alan Irwin (L’reagh).

Boveedy has moved away from the bottom of the table with a surprise win over Dunluce. Robert Sufferin set Boveedy on their way with a fine 13-2 win against Uel McKeeman (D’luce). Alastair Kirkpatrick pulled a game back for Dunluce with a 13-5 win against Doughie Morrow (B’veedy). Alan Catherwood got Boveedy’s second point by beating Rodney Kane (D’luce) by a single shot. Even though Ian Kerr (D’luce) beat Ashley McCahon (B’veedy) in the final game, it was not enough to secure the overall win, so Boveedy get the three bonus points.

There were only two games played in Division 2 this week. Castlerock were at home to Garvagh and District and their 12 shot win means that it is getting very interesting at the bottom of the table. The visitors got off to a good start with David Workman beating Ronnie Steele (C’rock) by two shots. Victor Callaghan levelled the match by beating Ian Reynolds (G’vagh) 15-5. Brian Wilson (C’rock) and Peter Reynolds (G’vagh) could not be separated on six shots apiece. It was left to Jackie Hutchinson to win the extra points for Castlerock with his victory over Geoffery Boyce (G’vagh).

First Coleraine travelled out to Drumreagh and surprisingly came home with six points. In a very tight game Raymond Clyde (D’reagh) defeated Clifford McLernon (C’raine) by two shots. Bryan Shaw (C’raine) then beat Aubrey Walker (D’reagh) to square the match. John Camac eased Coleraine ahead by beating Edwin Jackson (D’reagh) 8-6 and Jim Campbell secured the overall score for First Coleraine with an 11-9 victory over Martin Marks (D’reagh).

The Northern Zone is running a pairs competition, on Friday 28th February, in Ballybrakes Stadium. Play starts at 6.45pm the competition will be played in one night. Tournament is open only to players who have played or who are eligible to play their Championships in the Northern Zone. Entry fee is £6.00/pair. Contact Clifford McLernon, 13 Willan Drive, Portrush, BT56 8PU. or 07726335345. Closing date Saturday 22nd. February