Whitehead victors in cup clashes

The 'A' side were drawn at home against Carrickfergus and the derby game attracted keen interest and ensured a good crowd of partisan spectators. Of course Whitehead were hot favourites, though no one expected the visitors to make progress easy for them. Sure enough, the game was competitive and entertaining.

Carrick's Richard Curran gave Marty McHugh plenty to think about before conceding victory by a mere two shots. In Larry Irons and Chris Wallace, he had two wily veterans, far too experienced to panic under pressure; strangely enough, the home four found the green just as tricky as did the visitors.

Whitehead's JR Wilson got an even greater shock at the hands of his guest skip Alistair Murphy. The home four looked formidable enough and surely Cecil Knox should know the green if anybody can! Instead, the crowd was treated to a veritable masterclass from 'big Al' who conceded a mere five ends in the match. Trusty third, Freddie Williams, played several spectacular, very telling shots in support of his skip when things were looking good for their Whitehead opponents.

The other two home fours enjoyed comfortable victories.

Barry Browne had too much firepower at his disposal for even the mighty Raymond Weatherup. Sean Mullen played through the pain barrier while Matthew Crawford and Philip Weir displayed the full range of their talents. They were irresistible till complacency set in over the last three ends; ten dropped shots gave the scorecard respectability at 22 - 12.

James Caldwell and his crew showed no such mercy to Keith Walker, playing on the showcase number one rink. James paraded the mercurial Matthew Nicholl at lead, supported by Dave Sheldon who was immense at second. Sheldie is one of the league’s unsung heroes and, with Stevie Moran at third, Mr Caldwell did not come to the table empty-handed. In a mesmerising display, they trounced their visitors 37 - 9 and, believe it or not, things could have been worse but for a couple of big saving shots from the carrick Skip.

Whitehead progress to the next round while, to use the old sports cliche, Carrick can concentrate on the league!

Result: NIBA Senior Cup Whitehead (82) beat Carrick (56)

Juniors progress In Irish Cup

Whitehead’s second 16 entertained Coleraine in the IBA Cup, round one. The Provincial League side has a proud tradition and represented a stiff obstacle for their hosts. Once again a large crowd was treated to an exciting match, with a thrilling climax.

The Connor four slumped to a 20-26 defeat against a rink inspired by former Northern Ireland soccer international John O'Neill. Herbie Hunter was in fine fettle but the visiting third had all the answers and played as if he had been reared on rink three! The six -shot deficit, though not fatal, gave early advantage to Coleraine.

Billy Nicholl led out a formidable four, well able to overcome the difference, and they did not disappoint. Micky Stewart and John Phillips have each a drawerful of senior league and cup medals and illustrious chalengers hold no fears for them at all. Ernie Croft and the wily skip just had to sweep up the resultant debris on their way to a mighty 22-10 victory.

Billy Barclay, with Dean Smith, unusually, guesting at third, delivered another success story, though the 23-21 result was not always inevitable. Indeed, at the halfway stage, they trailed by nine shots and the big skip had to exert all his authority and influence to grab ultimate control. Jason Tweedie responded with a sparkling display.

The Ruddock four, never the fastest players on any green, played out the concluding ends of the tie. With one head to be decided, they trailed by four shots and the visitors needed a five for victory.

That was the signal for Jonjo O'Neill to deliver two of the most telling blows he will ever strike for his club. With unerring accuracy,he rolled in two beauties which put the North Antrim men under severe pressure. They fired at the head but to no avail; proud Robert picked up an unexpected bonus, four shots which tied the game at 18 - 18. Who says front ends can't decide games?

Result: IBA Cup: Whitehead (83) beat Coleraine (75)