Dunbarton grab a hat-trick of titles

Bowlers Michael Higgins, Andy Hughes and DJ Wilson managed to win two Private Greens titles each as firstly the three teamed up with clubmate Myles Greenfield to win the fours. Then in the afternoon, DJ paired with lead Conor McCartan took home the triples trophy while Michael and Andy teamed up with second Tony Bell to lift the triples title.

With the finals having been scheduled for Saturday, the locals had to endure a 24 hour postponement as the green was completely waterlogged. With Michael, Andy and DJ all being involved in two finals, the Fours final was played on the Sunday morning, starting at 10am.

Having despatched with the strong Old Bleach rink skipped by M Nutt in the semi-final with an end to spare, confidence was high for the final. With no sign of the constant rain of the previous day, the final was played in sunshine as the Dunbarton rink faced four from the host club Falls, skipped by P McEwan.

For two thirds of the game it was anyone’s guess who would emerge victorious as both rinks tried to get a lead built up without success. With just one shot separating the sides at 14 ends, end 15 proved crucial in deciding the outcome of the contest.

With some terrific drawing shots, Myles’ quartet drew four close bowls and suddenly a 16-11 lead was established. With two ends remaining, the Gilford lead was reduced to three shots, but again the men in yellow played a great end and aided by a superb final bowl by skip Myles counted a three to lead by six going into the last end.

Despite the best efforts of the Falls skip, which included two “burnt ends”, the locals eased home with a single and a seven shot win, 21-14. A terrific effort by the strong Dunbarton rink who repeated their achievement of 2010 when they also won the Private Greens Fours Trophy. That year, the Gilford rink went on to win the Irish Fours and they will be hoping to repeat the dose again next month.