Maximum points for high-flying Gilford men as Willowfield wilt

The Dunbarton A team continued their excellent league form with a very impressive 34 shot success away to mid-table Willowfield last Tuesday night.

More importantly, all rinks finished ahead, ensuring a maximum seven points.

On a lovely summer evening, the home green proved to be a beautiful playing surface and the visitors quickly got to grips with it. After a close start, when justone shot separated the sides after the first quarter, the locals then went into overdrive. 29 shots were scored compared to the hosts’ eight and the Gilford bowlers were in complete control.

In truth, all four rinks were comfortable during the second half. Both DJ Wilson and Conor McCartan led their rinks to impressive 11 shot victories, whilst Andy Hughes strolled home by seven shots. Myles Greenfield and his front three had the closest game of the night, but still were in control going into the last end leading by seven shots. They could afford to drop a four, knowing that their point was safe.

Rink 1 – D Copeland, T Bell, S Adamson, A Hughes up 25-18

Andy’s four battled hard over the early ends as they tried to gain the upper hand. Suddenly the visitors put their foot on the accelerator and the game was over as a contest. A run of 2,1,4,4 from ends 11-14 and Andy’s men had clear daylight, ahead by 10 shots and their point was won. The locals eased home by seven shots, a good performance by a strong rink.

Rink 2 – J Moffatt, J Magennis, G Moore, DJ Wilson up 25-14

The early exchanges were close but, similar to rink one, DJ’s men then hit a purple patch and a superb run of 2,1,1,1,2,1,1,1 from ends 6-13, put the locals out of sight at 14-5. The away rink were able to concede five shots over the last two ends and still win by 11. Lead Jack Moffatt was in terrific form, while the middle of the rink, John and Greg also showed their quality.

Rink 3 – R McElroy, C Mulholland, M Trainor, M Greenfield up 25-22

Myles’ foursome started slowly and trailed 2-6 after six ends. Similarly to both rinks one and two, the visitors then put together a terrific run of 5,4,1,3,5, to turn a 2-6 deficit into a 20-6 lead. The locals went into the last end seven shots ahead and could afford the luxury of losing a four. Second Chris Mulholland was the star of the rink.

Rink 4 – C Trainor, M Merritt, G McElroy, C McCartan up 24-13

Conor’s rink stormed ahead early on and never looked back. An early lead of 7-3 was extended to seven shots by the midpoint. Over the second half, the result was only going one way. By the close, the away four had won by 11 shots. Second Michael Merritt showed his class with a terrific display.