Whitehead claim Junior Cup triumph

Whitehead are the top-ranked junior team and started as hot favourites but with a few stars missing. Michael Crooks, John Phillips, Johnny O’Neill and Colin Todd were all unavailable for a variety of reasons. To complicate matters further, Portadown beat them at this stage in 2010 and the Armagh men are enjoying a great run in both league and cup just now.

The drama began with the late arrival of Whitehead’s Geoff Falconer. The aforementioned O’Neill stripped for action and actually played his trial ends, even though not fully fit himself! The big skip arrived in the nick of time and led his men into action against Portadown stalwart Bob Cassells. Though the Falconer four battled gamely, the Bannsiders had just too much power and guile and emerged comfortable 12 - 23 winners.

Whitehead’s Connor four were involved in a similar dogfight and trailed by six shots after 13 ends. Then came the gallant fightback and a heroic 18 - 18 draw after 21 ends. Then came more drama as there was a one-shot difference in the two cards!

As things worked out, this didn’t prove decisive, but the differential could have proved embarrassing for all concerned.

President Dean Smith was determined to put his game beyond all doubt. A Musgrave Park specialist, he tore into his Portadown opponents with real gusto. By 11 ends, the advantage was a massive 18 shots; Davy McClean was at his deadly best and Jason Tweedie was on song yet again. With Martin Osbourne also finding the green to his liking, there was only going to be one winner. The East Antrim lads romped home 32 - 17.

Last man off the green was Robert Ruddock. His four overcame a sluggish start to square things at 18 ends. As Whitehead supporters, players and other interested spectators looked on nervously, they inched their way to a vital 23 - 17 triumph which ensured the NIBA Junior Cup will have its home in Whitehead for the next 12 months.

Davy Sheldon was immense while Billy Nicholl and Eddie Miskimmin proved unflappable even under intense pressure.

Skip Ruddock admitted that he struggled to master the green but played the most spectacular shot of the match to convert a weak position to a match-winning five on that memorable 18th end.

Result, N.I.B.A. Junior Cup final: Whitehead (85) v Portadown (75)