Banbridge win puts paid to Bangor’s hopes of title success
BANBRIDGE hardened their challenge at the top of the table — and almost certainly torpedoed Bangor’s chances of regaining the Northern Ireland Bowling Association Division One title.
The Seasiders crashed to a nine-shot defeat — their third of the campaign — at Linenhall Street on Saturday, leaving them with a hopeless task of trying to reel in Banbridge and second-placed Whitehead.
Even though Whitehead slightly closed the gap at the top by racking up seven points at home to Dundonald, Banbridge added five-and-a-half points to their kitty.
It was Kyle Blakely’s stunning 28-14 win against Mark Shannon that titled the tie in favour of the home team.
Gavin Blakely also made a significant contribution by beating Keith Taylor (20-19), while Aaron O’Keefe battled out a tense 22-22 result against Gary Scott.
Hasting provided Bangor’s only moment or light relief by recording 27-21 win over James Kelly.
Meanwhile, Divis took all seven points from their visit to Donaghadee.
Results: Bangor Bowls Tournament: Under-25 singles: R Wallace (Curran) 11 S Curran (Bangor) 10.
Open pairs: R Stewart, D Erskine (Donaghadee) 9 S Lennon, G Eaton jnr (Salisbury) 8
Men’s Fours: B Jess, G Burn, G Brown, G McKee (Ards) 14 R Fleming, J Campbell, A Stewart, G Scott (Bangor) 12.
Mixed pairs: E Hastings, R Hastings (Bangor) 20 C Bailie, S Bailie (Knock) 4. Ladies pairs winners (played in a round robin format: S Stewart, A Morris. Players of the tournament: Men: G McKee. Lady: J Henderson. Young player: S Curran. Portrush Bowls tournament Singles: A Whisker (Portrush) 21 W McCaw (Ballymoney 20).
Ladies singles: L Evans (Coleraine) 9 S O’Neill (Limavady) 21.
Men’s pairs: C Mulholland, R Horner (Belmont) 6 R Kirkpatrick, A Kennedy (Portrush) 17.
Ladies pairs: E McKee, A McClelland (Dunluce) 11 B McGleenan and I Eldon (Dungannon) 14
Under-25 singles: S O’Neill (Limavady) 21 B Hutchinson (Coleraine) 12.
Mixed fours: M McCulloch, L Evans, R Horner, J Smyth (Portrush) 15 R McAllister, E McKee, A McClelland, U McCloy (Portrush) 3.