Greenhills semi-finals are confirmed

THERE was a good attendance of members to watch the keenly contested Charity Tournament quarter-finals, played in a very sporting manner over seven ends at Greenhills Bowls Club last Thursday night.

In the first match between Tom Devin and Tommy Mc Guinness it was nip and tuck all the way, with Tommy springing out of the blocks to go two up with one end remaining. Tom had an uphill battle on his hands but upped his game another gear and produced two brilliant backhand draw shots to snatch victory by one shot.

Jimmy Flood stormed into a four-shot lead after only three ends against an under-performing Eugene McKenna. However, the latter made a breakthrough in the fourth end and that was the start of a purple patch that saw the match all square with one end remaining.

In the decider both men played superb shots to the head and it was Eugene who held one shot as Jimmy lined up his last bowl. Unfortunately for him, Jimmy missed his target and so it’s Eugene who progressed.

Sean Donnelly surged four up after three ends against Josephine Moran. Josephine, who wasn’t at her free-flowing best, did managed to reduce the deficit to two, but Sean remained in control and completed an impressive victory.

In the match between Claire Woods and Sadie Campbell both players were guilty of some wayward shots early on, but Claire settled and was four up with two ends remaining.

Sadie made a breakthrough in the sixth end to leave just one between them, but ultimately Claire’s experience proved decisive as she scraped through in a nervy finish by two shots.

The last game saw hot favourite Alan Thornberry take on Tom Devin and some brilliant bowls saw Alan take a four-shot lead after four ends. Tom, who wasn’t at his best, regained his composure in the fifth end, cutting the gap down to two, but it was too little too late as his opponent justified his favouritism.

The semis - Alan Thornberry v Sean Donnelly and Eugene McKenna v Claire Woods - will be played on May 18th at 8.30 sharp, with the final to follow.

Members are reminded to put their names forward for the Redeemer Bowls Tournament.

Congratulations to the boys and girls in the club making their Communion and Confirmation.

Times of play: Tuesday - juveniles 7 to 8pm, seniors 8 to 10.30pm; Thursday - seniors 8 to 10.30pm.