New Ross double in bowls finals

THE COUNTY Wexford Active Retirement indoor or short mat bowls tournament took place in Clayton Whites Hotel over two days recently.

Twelve teams in all took part on the first day’s play which decided which teams would compete for the trophy and the shield on day two. Every team got four games in the qualifying stages and similarly on day two, except that teams were in two divisions on the second day.

There were some outstanding games with top-class bowling on both days, but on the second day the three teams vying for the trophy were New Ross Beta, Gorey ‘A’ and the Kilmore Seals.

It was nip and tuck all day, but in the end New Ross Beta tied with Gorey ‘ A’ for the trophy but the Ross team won on a better score difference. Kilmore Seals were just two points behind in third in what was a gripping day of bowling.

The two teams at the top in the end won three games each and lost one apiece, and therein lay the reason for a better score difference deciding the destination of the trophy.

Kilmore drew one game, lost one and won two, and would have also tied at the top had they won their drawn game which looked possible with one end to play. Yet it didn’t happen, with the very last bowl of their final game upsetting the seasiders’ lead.

Meanwhile, for the shield, it was between New Ross Alpha and Enniscorthy, with Gorey ‘B’ having an outside chance of success.

In the end, with four straight victories, New Ross came out on top to claim the double in the tournament.

The Enniscorthy team were four points behind as they lost one game, while Gorey ‘B’ were back another four points in third.

This was a marvellous tournament with wonderful sportsmanship all round, the standard being exceptional throughout the two days.

The trophies for the tournament and County League which took place over the winter months were all presented at the end of day two, with Noel Howlin being M.C. for the presentation and the Chairman, Paddy Breen, presenting the awards.

Ray Fick also had a wonderful tournament as Secretary and kept scores and results updated in an instant after each game for which he was highly commended.

It was a pleasure to take part in this now annual tournament, and we all look forward to its continuation in 2019.