Big winners Michelle and Brian go top
THERE was a great turnout of members for round three of the Greenhills BC round robin trips tournament, with high-quality bowling and scoring in the four games played last Thursday night.
First up, Ciara Floyd’s ‘team’ of Sadie Campbell – minus the other member who was not available – faced Eamon Griffin’s team of Gabriel Mullen and Emilia Griffin. Ciara and Sadie built up an early three-shot lead and Eamon’s team were out of luck - until, that is, Emilia played some slick bowls over the next two ends to help her team eke out a two-shot advantage.
Ciara and Sadie were not about to implode, though, and after some superb backhand shots they restored their lead – one up – with one to play. Both teams played great bowls under pressure, but
Eamon’s team of Gabriel and Emilia came out on top at the end of an entertaining game by four shots.
John Hurley’s ‘team’ of Fintan McCarthy – the other member was not available on the night – were pitted against Claire Woods’ team of Marie Maher and Chris Reilly. After a scrappy start Chris instigated the first score as his team moved three up after three ends.
John and Fintan reduced the deficit to one in the fifth end, only to see their opponents get their act together and increase their advantage back to three shots.
John and Fintan raised their game in the eighth end and now the gap was back down to one. In the decider they attacked the head with purpose, but Claire’s team of Chris and Marie proved a tough nut to crack and they held on to take the victory by three shots.
Paddy Griffin’s ‘team’ – comprising only Josephine Moran as they were short a member on the night – got off to a flying start and were two up against John Sheridan’s team of Brian Reilly and Michelle Dykstra after three ends, before the latter pair fought back and edged one ahead.
Josephine, playing four bowls, responded impressively and turned it around to lead by four after six ends, only for Brian and Michelle to fire into the head with authority and eventually edge one up with the final end to play.
With the momentum in their favour John and Brian played super draw shots and took the spoils in fine style by five shots, and they are now top of the table.
The last match of the night saw Paddy Smith’s team of Tony Winters and Gertie Griffin face Tom Devin’s team of Eugene McKenna and Lauren Dykstra. The latter looked very nervous and Paddy’s team took full advantage, going four up after three ends.
Eugene eventually got into his stride, though, and in the next end he helped his team pick up two shots, before Lauren’s fine forehand draw shot reduced the deficit to one. Paddy’s team of Tony and Gertie hit back in the next two ends, after which they led by four, but Tom’s team were not about to lie down and Tom’s forehand draw shots with weight helped reduce the deficit back to two.
In the decider Paddy’s team put in blockers to protect the head, but Eugene and Tom went on the attack with all guns blazing and opened up the head to snatch victory by four shots.
Standout performers on the night were Emilia Griffin, Eugene McKenna, Tony Winters, Brian Reilly and John Sheridan.
This Thursday’s time of play is from 7 to 9pm, with competitive matches starting at 7:30pm sharp.