Fourth annual bowls league at the half way stage

THE FOURTH annual indoor bowls league organised by a committee of the Active Retirement Association in Wexford reached its half way mark at Christmas time.

In all there are 15 teams divided into two divisions called Purple and Gold, competing in what is a very successful and enjoyable competition.

Games are played every two weeks with the following points being awarded - six for a win, four for a draw, two for competing - while byes which we have in the Purple division this year are not awarded any points as all teams are equal where byes are concerned.

For those interested in the progress of the league, tables of both divisions appear in this newspaper throughout the league which stretches from September to April this season.

We look at the Purple division now and see that the Gorey Silver team sits on top of the league with five wins out of five and a total of 30 points.

More importantly, they have had both their byes at this stage and have two games in hand over second-placed New Ross Beta who also have 30 points but have won four games and lost three. They have both their byes to come in the new year.

The third-placed team is Ballagh Red with 28 points with a record of four wins and two losses.

They have used up one of their byes and still have one to come.

Fourth on 22 points is Kilmore Seals; fifth, also with 22 points, is Slaneyside (Enniscorthy); sixth is New Ross Alpha on 20 points, while Ferns Warriors are on the bottom rung of the ladder with 16 points.

Looking at these figures would indicate that the league winners will probably come from any of the top three.

Gorey would seem like favourites, but don’t write off any of the other two since Ballagh have a team of four ladies playing brilliant bowls.

It will be an interesting second half of the league, so keep an eye on happenings in this main division.

The Gold division of the league sees the Ballagh Black team sitting on top with 38 points from six wins and one loss.

Ferns Falcons are in second with 34 points from five wins and two losses, while Slaney Pride (Enniscorthy) are in third place with 32 points from four wins, one draw and two losses.

Then comes Ballagh Blue on 30 points; Kilmore Gulls on 26 points; Gorey Gold on 24 points; Ferns Fighters on 22 points, and Bree lie on the end of the division with 18 points.

As one can see, the title here is also wide open, but what is noticeable is that teams from The Ballagh who combined with Oulart this year are playing very good bowls.

As a result, it will be a surprise if they do not take one of the titles up for grabs at this stage.

The league has resumed after the festive break and will conclude on the second week of April, so get out to your local venue and see some brilliant bowls being played during this period.

You can contact your local A.R.A. branch for dates of matches.