Page 18 - Spring 2016

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18

MEN’S INTER-ZONE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Magnificent Win For Mid Ulster
Mid Ulster's men's inter zone team rolled back the clock with a tremendous win over Oriel Zone
winners of the title for the past 2 seasons and favourites to retain the inter zone title. Mid Ulster
had gone into the game having had two easy games and a narrow win in Monaghan whereas
Oriel had met tougher opposition in Western, Armagh and North West. It was no surprise that they
felt confident, a view shared by most neutrals. However, no one should discount Mid Ulster when
it comes to a final since they had won all 7 finals they took part in since 1999 and in particular the
outcome of the final against Oriel in 2012 when they put in an incredible performance over the
last 5 ends to take the title.
As expected it was a packed house for the game with both teams well supported. It was
clear from earlier games that Oriel were aggressive at the front end and it was essential that Mid
Ulster's front ends avoided the jack high and short bowls which had been a problem in Monaghan
and it soon became clear that the front ends had realised the importance of back bowls since it
severely hindered Oriel's opportunity to run at the jack though only 5 shots separated the two
teams at the interval, it had not looked good for Mid Ulster.
With only one of the 3 rinks in the lead. On mat 1, there was little between Mark Wilson,
Trevor Turkington, Chris McKnight and Tommy Johnston and Paul Duff's rink for the first 6 ends
with Oriel 6 - 5 up but the Mid Ulster rink dropped a 5 on the 7th end and 3 on the 9 to see Oriel
move ahead and finish 14 - 5 up. While this was taking place, Mid Ulster's Danny McStravock,
Glen Wilson, Anthony Bradley and Damian McAllister were making a recovery on mat 2 from a
disastrous start which saw them 9 - 0 down after 4 ends and struggling to cope with the longer
jack.
After picking up a single in the 5th end and moving to a short jack the picture changed com-
pletely to the extent that Oriel did not register a shot over the last 6 ends and a 2 on the last end
gave Mid Ulster a 9 - 9 draw something which what had seemed highly unlikely a few ends earlier.
On mat 1, Damian McElroy, Aaron Ward, John McKay and Seamus Kyne got off to a good start to
lead 6 - 0 after 2 ends. The rink were in control of the game throughout but just could not get the
shots they deserved largely through some excellent drawing ad driving bowls from Oriel's Stephen
McMahon and this was particularly evident on the 5th end with his driving bowl just managed to
cut Mid Ulster's lying 5 to just a single.