Coach win first title in five years

At two games up through Mucker McMullan and Kevin Doherty Coach could almost reach out and touch the title. They were brought back down to earth in the space of the next three games when D. McConville, Luigi and S. Gribben gave the home team the lead at 3-2.

At this stage of the match word came through from Higgins that Market Bar were trailing by the same margin, a position which was in Coach’s favour but not by much.

Should Coach lose and Market win then a play-off was a distinct possibility. More news then came through Higgins and Market were tied, this seemed to spur Coach into action as Stevie Doherty levelled the score at 3-3.

One more game was required for a draw which would see Coach cross the finishing line; unsurprisingly all the Coach players were squeezed into the McGrath’s pool room.

The seventh game was a real nail biter for the visitors, slowly but surely Barry McGeown made his way to the black. This was no time for heroics or mistakes from the Coach player, with the black potted all eyes were on the cue ball to make sure it came safely to a standstill. When it did the guaranteed point had secured Coach their first title in five years.

Not content with the draw Coach captain Stevie Gartland went on to win the eighth and final game of the league campaign. McGrath’s sportingly congratulated the champions. It no longer mattered what was happening in Higgins, not to Coach anyway.

News was soon transmitted to Higgins’ that Coach had the Premier Division wrapped up. Although Market Bar now knew the title was out of reach they now had to concentrate on beating Higgins in order to secure the runners up position or at least a chance of it as Anglers were also in with a shout of the same spot.

The phone calls and texts were now diverted to Gilford where Anglers had taken the lead against Castle Bar. If Market Bar slipped up against Higgins it was possible Anglers could steal second spot right from under their noses.

The possibility of that happening spurred on the Market tail enders as they won the remaining games for a 5-3 win and the two vital points required.

Just as that match ended and to add to the excitement of the evening the news came through Anglers had defeated Castle Bar in Gilford. All attention was then focused the next evening in Dromore when Mulholland’s crossed the square to take on Market Bar in what could yet be another twist in the runners up race.

At one stage the outcome was as unpredictable as the weather when the teams were level. Mulholland’s then won the next two through Raymond Jess followed by Ali Bingham. At this stage Market picked up the pace to level the match at 4-4.

The draw had secured runners up spot for Market, their best finish for a long long time, fully deserved for this pool mad establishment and their popular proprietor Owen Cull. Owen already has his sights set on going one better next season.

Well done all the teams that took part this season and especially those in the prizes, Shepherds as runners up in the First Division and Banbridge Golf Club who won the A McLean First Division at the first time of asking, an amazing feat.

Also well done to Owen Cull and Market Bar for finishing as runners up in the Premier, congratulations to Coach on lifting the A McLean Bookmakers Premier Shield.

The Eddie Fearon Memorial Doubles final will have been played on Monday between Gordy Magennis and Cecil Corbett from Castle Bar versus Colly Wilton and Mick McClean from Higgins, a full report of that match will appear in due course.

To wrap up the season the final of The Brendan McAdam Memorial Knockout Cup will also have been played this week. With the Premier title already in the bag Coach are eager to add the cup for the double. In their way are Castle Bar who will be defending the cup and who beat Coach in the final last year.

A McLean Bookmakers Premier Division

PlydPts

Coach1821

Market Bar A1818

Higgin’s1815

Anglers A1715

Mulholland’s1712

Castle Bar A1711

McGrath’s178

Banbridge Legion 188

Planters 00