Whitehead remain ahead of the pack

WHITEHEAD Bowling Club remain ahead of the chasing pack after one of their best-ever starts to the season in NIBA’s Division One.

On Tuesday evening Banbridge arrived at Castleview and, as always, carried a massive threat to home title aspirations.

Stevie Moran, recently on the crest of a wave, stumbled to a shock defeat. Winning 10 ends, the Whitehead four lost their point 19-26 to Down’s Bobby Davis, always a strong campaigner.

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Charlie Davis enjoyed no such joy against the McHugh alliance. McHugh harnessed the power of Jack Montgomery and Philip Gilmartin and dominated their contest. In their 21-15 triumph they won 13 ends; even so there were red faces all round when the shots were counted out on the ill-fated, 14th end.

Barry Browne was involved in a breathless finish before pinching his point 23-19. It should never have come to that for they were seven shots ahead after 17 ends. Then they surrendered a six and the enemy scented success; only gutsy determination regained the initiative. As philosophical third Philip Weir pointed out: “At this level you can’t afford to relax for even one end.”

The Caldwell four saw young Simon Beggs make a promising ‘A’ Team debut at second. He was part of a performance best described as efficient. Sean Mullen was absolutely electric at lead and making Beggs’ task relatively simple. Skip Caldwell plans and plots every shot; every point is precious and this 25-16 result enabled him to bank yet another for Whitehead.

Result: Whitehead ‘A’ (88) 6 Points V Banbridge (76) 1 Point