First and Last give new boys a lesson in opener

First and Last top the table by virtue of a seven games to one victory over new boys Cullen’s from Tandragee.

The only blemish on the result sheet was that of Mick Keatly who accidently lifted the cue ball when awarded a free table, the referee should of course have been requested by Mick to lift the white.

Cullen’s J Turley made it all the more painful for Mick when his solo win was the only one to be recorded for the visitors, may have been the only one but their first in the league.

Kieron McCourt wrapped up the points for First and Last in the sixth to be followed by wins for P.McSraw then B McCartan, a convincing performance to start their campaign.

Coach’s defence of the title took an early hit when Wes McDowell took advantage of a poor snooker attempt to put the Mulholland's ahead. Rammie Lyons squared the match with an excellent black to the middle.

Games three and four had the two sides level again through Willy Stewart for the visitors and Tom Moore for the home team.

Mulholland's had the lead in fifth after a close contest was eventually sorted with a win for Gary Devine. The visitors went further ahead when Stephen Doonans’ attempt to play the black safe finished with the black disappearing down one of the middle pockets, although not intentional the pot was still good enough for Mulholland's to lead the match 4-2.

The deficit was reduced when Greg Moore dusted off his cue to put on a display which was by far the best game of the match, his positional play with the cue ball led to a win to bring the scores closer at 4-3.

The two points went the visitor’s way when Raymond Jess used all of his tactical prowess to gain control of the table to eventually sink the black.

Newly promoted first division champions Golf Club got off to a great start winning the first two games through Barry Crossey then Neil Clydesdale. McGrath's hit back immediately with a succession of excellent performances in the next four to lead 4-2 - welcome to the Premier, Golf Club.

Jim Bryson - there’s a name from the past - gave Golf Club a glimmer of hope and a possible share of the points defeating D.Topping. Tail ender Seamus McGrath soon put that notion out of the visitor’s minds with a convincing exhibition to claim maximum points for the home team.

Banbridge Legion are determined to do much better this season than last time around, with the same players year in year out at some stage this continuity must count. They got off to a great start in their first match against Higgins, relying on home advantage to record a 5-3 victory.

Angler's were in contention right up to the final stages last season and it seems they have started were they left off with a win over Shepherd's. This was a tough opener for Shepherd's who are making their debut in the Premier this season.

Although defeated there are signs they could do very well indeed. They will be tough opponents to break down and not to be taken for granted.

Two much fancied teams came together in the Market Bar, Dromore. The home team fancy themselves as going one better this season when finishing runners up to Coach last season.

Also fancied are the visitors, O'Reilly's, who have made some astute signings in the close season.

After four games the two sides were level, the breakthrough came when Paddy Donaghy got the better of Gareth Armstrong. The lead didn’t last long as in the very next game brother Neill brought Market back to level.

Market went on to collect the final two games for a well deserved five games to three victory, make no doubt about it, these two teams will be right there in the mix throughout the season.