Dunbarton in pole but Ballymena pose big threat

IT’S still advantage Dunbarton as the Private Greens League Division One title race reaches a climax — but things could change dramatically today when the table-toppers entertain Ballymena at Gilford.

Victory for the Sky Blues would shoot them right back into contention with games rapidly running out.

Having lifted the crown seven times since 2006, Dunbarton appear to have the credentials to get them over the line in the nail-jangling final furlong.

But they’ll be taking nothing for granted against a Ballymena side that last had their hands on the trophy back in 2013 — the final year in a famous hat-trick of title wins.

“It’s a massive game, but not a title decider,” said Ballymena’s John Nicholl (below).

“We still have games against Old Bleach and Falls to negotiate after this match. We had a good win over Belmont in midweek, which was vital.

“Dunbarton will be thinking the same because they also have to face Ewarts and Ards. But if we were to get a result (in Gilford), it would certainly open things up for the final week or so.”

Jim Baker returns to the Ballymena side, which could be a vital factor. The former Ireland team boss missed the midweek win over Belmont.

Meanwhile, if it’s tight at the top in the PGL, the Northern Ireland Bowling Association Di- vision One championship race looks like going to the wire as well.

In fact, it could well be a defining day for title candidates Banbridge and Whitehead.

Both sides must win to send them into a final day shoot-out at a date still to be confirmed due to Whitehead’s involvement in next weekend’s IBA Senior Cup final in an east Antrim derby against Larne.

It could well be an end-of-season trophy blitz by Whitehead. They already have the NIBA Senior Cup sitting proudly in their locker, while they will be favourites going into the showdown with Larne.

They will also be hotly tipped to take a haul of points from today’s clash at Lisnagarvey — a club fighting desperately to avoid dropping back into Division Two following their promotion last season.

Banbridge’s title challenge hit the buffers with a surprise defeat by Balmoral. It means they go into today’s game against Donaghadee at The Commons trailing by three and a half points, so there is no margin for error.

“If both teams win, then it will go to a head-to-head shoot-out,” said Whitehead’s Stephen Moran.

“A lot depends on this weekend’s results.

“Although we have built up a narrow lead, we still can’t afford to take our eye off the ball.

“We basically have three cup finals left for the rest of the campaign.”

Fixtures: Northern Ireland Private Greens League Division One: Dunbarton v Ballymena, Belmont v Ewarts, Pickie v Ards, Old Bleach v Falls, Larne v Ulster Transport. Northern Ireland Bowling Association Division One: Lurgan v Portadown, Bangor v Dundonald, Banbridge v Donaghadee, Lisnagarvey v Whitehead, Balmoral v Divis.

Northern Ireland Provincial Bowling Association Senior League: Cookstown v Dunluce, Portrush v Portglenone, Coleraine v Letterkenny, Limavady v Ballymoney.