Sardonic Bowler

Secret Service

2010-09-05T16:38:00.000+01:00

"Development Questionaire

It has been suggested by Mr Satirical that the questionaire be put up again. The response earlier was not as great as hoped but the views expressed were interesting and thought provoking. The questionaires do not need a name but it would help authenicate it if the name was provided and indeed all returns (posted or returned by hand) so far did put their name to it. This would also enable us to go back to someone for more detail or clarification. The Committee of Jimmy Pinkerton, Jean Parkinson and Seamus Kyne will collate the suggestions put forward and present a report to the IIBA Executive Council (Officers and Convenors) for discussion. Whatever decisions are subsequently made will be the responsibility of the Council. The Committee have not yet met to discuss the returns so far due to the Christmas break and national championships but will do so in early February so as to provide as much time as possible to look at the ideas put forward before the new season. All questionaires returned will be treated confidentially and a break down of suggestions will be posted at a later date. So if you have any views on how we might promote and develop the game in general, do take time to complete and return the questionaire."

We are now into the new season and still no news of what suggestions were put forward to the IIBA Executive Council. Often members complain that their opinions are not being listened to by the Big Noises at the IIBA. The evidence to back that up is now plain for all to see. Maybe we are all being protected from ourselves as Big Brother (and sister) know best.

Short Mat Players Tour

2010-05-24T19:34:00.000+01:00

Hi All,

Just to let you all know we have decided to give players 7 matches in the Round Robin Stages of each of the 4 Masters Series Singles events.

As we are going to have players in groups of 8 players we feel it will give players a better chance of accumulating valuable SMPT World Ranking Points whilst offering value for money. As we have members from Sweden, Belgium, Scotland, Wales & Ireland we feel this will encourage more to join.

We are also going to allow up to 128 players to compete in each event, not 64 as previously stated.

We are still working on the venues for the North, Midlands & South-East Masters Events and will be looking to make them public in the coming weeks.

Again thanks for all the feedback and positive message we have been receiving. This is an exciting time for Short Mat Bowls.

Regards

Craig Burgess

SMPT Secretary

Rule Changes 2010/11

2010-05-19T22:56:00.002+01:00

Tournament Rule Changes

From next season a number of changes will apply to all licenced tournaments.

All such tournaments organised by affiliated clubs or leagues must satisfy equality legislation and therefore must be open to all clubs and bowlers. Leagues organising such tournaments must make their entry open to all clubs not just those who participate in that particular league.

Organisers must complete all relevant parts of the new application form and these must be returned before any licence or licence number can be provided.

Minimum entry requirements will apply to all licenced tournaments organised by affiliated clubs or leagues.

courtesy IIBA

International Open 2010

2010-04-01T22:02:00.005+01:00

Fours Saturday 3rd April (8.30am Registration) Final 7pm (Estimate)

Triples Sunday 4th April (8.30am Registration) Final 8.30pm (Estimate)

There should be a few local players in attendance, so hopefully they will fly the flag for Irish bowls. If any players are able to post updates it would be greatly appreciated by those of us not lucky enough to be at the event this weekend. It's a fairly challenging weekend in terms of mat-time for those that make it through to the latter stages, if the estimated times above are correct.

Have a great Easter everyone

Shambolic

2010-03-28T00:46:00.002Z

Shortmat National finals, sun visors provided!!!

The finals of the premium competition in Shortmat bowls and neither the players nor spectators could see the other end of the mat. This is the third year the finals have been held in Richill and the same problems have reared their head each season.

The solution? 15p multi-coloured Sun Visors picked up from the local party shop for the players to wear when playing towards the sunlight. The seating arrangement was very good, but there was enough seats to accommodate 3 finals and those who did come seen great players struggling on poor mats.

Strawberries and cream would have been the real winner if provided in the stands, but at least most left Richill with a good sunburn.

Why hold the finals at an unsuitable venue? In a word sponsorship. Sardonic would advise that next year the IIBA use the sponsor money to invest in a curtain or if that is too expensive (ha) play the mats ACROSS the hall, it’s not rocket science.

National Finals

2010-03-27T18:07:00.002Z

Singles A Paul Cook High Bt P Hanlon Cooley

Pairs A Paul Cook High Bt P J Gallagher Burtonport

Triples R O'Neill L'vady R&CC Beat N Logue L'vady R&CC

Rinks G Conroy Mid Tyrone Beat I McBride West Down

Ladies

Singles P Beattie Armagh Beat F McDermott Coast Rd

Pairs A Weir East Antrim Beat C McKenna Rosslea

Triples P Beattie Armagh Beat G Stevenson Rossorry

Over 55's T Patton Foyle Beat T Beagen Rosslea

Junior Singles S Hand Corduff Beat P Reynolds Garvagh & D

World Shortmat Bowls Tour

2010-03-23T23:02:00.000Z

Hi everyone,

I have great pleasure in announcing the formation of the short mat players tour!!

We are arranging four top class singles events to be held around England in the 2010/11 season, followed by a Champion of Champions. All events will have big cash prizes.

There has been alot of discussion amongst players from all countries asking why our game is stagnating so a few of us have decided to do something about it. Our plan is to help promote the game we love by promoting the best players in events which we will invite local media and local officials to. we are also hoping to get Horizon media to record games and maybe do some promotional material for us. We will have a website crammed with info on players, events, the game and of course recorded and live streamed games.

In the future we hope to launch an International Masters series and a Premier League to assist in the promotion of the game

We need your help!!! Those of us who are doing this are doing it totally at our own expense, we do not seek expenses or honoraria, just the knowledge that we might help take the game forward, however this costs money. We are in discussions with several people regarding sponsorship and have already had a comformation from one source. The tour is open to any bowler from any country however we need to set up a subscription system to join, this is to help cover costs. Our secretary is currently drawing up membership forms. If you wish to join you will have exclusive acsses to the website and of course the right to then enter the competitions. The cost of subscription is £15 for the year. All those who join by July 31st will be entered into a draw to recieve online vouchers worth £100 to spend on bowlswear.

The events will be held on the following dates
4/5 Sept 2010 Exeter, Devon (64 players)
18/19 Dec 2010 TBC (64 players)
15/16 Jan 2011 TBC (64 players)
12/13 Feb 2011 TBC (64 players)

Champion of Champions 23/24 April 2011 (16 players)

We appreciate that of course these dates will not be available to all players but we hope you will enter as many as you can. you will be guarenteed 3 games of 15 ends at least and we hope to have markers in place for all games so players will not have to play and mark.

Will keep everyone posted as to progress and i ask you all to spread the word!! you all wanted something to change so now i ask you to support us
If you require any further information you can email us at shortmatplayerstour@hotmail.com

Many thanks for your time

Simon Pridham

Tournaments Director

Worlds Greatest

2010-03-22T02:17:00.005Z

Outgoing World Singles Champion Colum mc Hugh is the new World Triples Champion. If ever a player deserved to be the title of the worlds greatest it’s got to be immense Mc Hugh.

Morrison stubbed out the threat to lift the rinks crown, while the Wilson brothers DJ & Johnny have finally overcome their final hoodoo at the major championships to become World Pairs champions despite losing two games on the first day. Lesser players would not have made it back to the big stage after the heart breaking defeats they have suffered in the past, but congratulations on a fantastic win boys.

2010 International Open

2010-03-03T19:20:00.000Z

There has been a great response to the International Open, the deadline for entries has been extended until Sunday 21st March.

Its going to be the biggest gathering of the Worlds top short mat bowlers.

The minimum prize money will be as follows (This will go up should we get more entries in)
Triples Winner £1050
Triples Runner Up £450
Losing Semis £60
Fours Winner £1400
Fours Runner Up £600
Losing Semis £80

So far we have had 37 teams entered in the Triples and 28 in the Fours.

There is a special rate at the local Express by Holiday Inn, £40 a room for the duration of the competition

If further information is required contact me craigburgess@btinternet.com or 07525448814

Quinn Directz Mid-Ulster to IZ Title

2010-02-27T20:24:00.002Z

WOW! What a Final. Drama Drama Drama

This one had it all. After a tension filled first half which saw Mid-Ulster emerge with a slender 5 shot advantage, the pressure was cranked in the second half at St Anne's with Mid-Ulster storming ahead to a 14 shot advantage before being reeled in to all square with the final end of the match to play. It came down to Damien McElroy versus Joseph Beattie. With his final bowl, Joseph hit the head with 3 against him. A terrific effort resulted in the jack being sprung, but unfortunately for Armagh it gave shot to a MU bowl, meaning Damien didn't need to play his last delivery. Heartbreak for Armagh was countered by sheer ectasy from the Mid-Ulster contingent.

Mid-Ulster are Back - and the Welsh Valleys will know it when MU represent Ireland in the next Top Team Competition. Paddy Power has stopped taking bets on the result!

The much anticipated McHugh Trainor head to head saw Marty take the honours with a blinding personal performance to beat Colm 10:7.

Overshadowing this though was the Performance of the Day by Sean Quinn's rink, with Damien McAllister, Anthony Bradley, Liam Conway and head director Quinn orchestrating a title clinching 10:4 victory over Armagh's Andy Hughes. Arguably the "Rink of the Series", they left Armagh clinging on to their shirt tails for something from this game but despite gathering a few consolation shots at the end, it was to prove a fruitless task.

Enormous credit to Armagh on a hugely valiant performance but in the end, There Can Be Only One and Mid-Ulster Wants to Live forever!

Updates

2010-02-27T15:39:00.007Z

Half Time

Alan Paul 9 : 5 Andrew Lecky
Mark Wilson 8 : 8 Alan Roberts
Danny McStravock 8 : 7 Danny Mc Donald

Mid Ulster gliding through the gears now. 13 ahead with 5 ends to play.
Colm McHugh and Marty Trainor locked at 6 each

Big surge by Armagh who want to hold on to their title but Mid Ulster hang in to nick it by just a single shot 49 - 48. Congratulations Mid-Ulster but plaudits to Armagh for making it the Epic it was.

A Roberts 8 v M Wilson 8
D McDonald 7 v D McStarvock 8
A Leckey 5 v A Paul 9
HALF TIME - Armagh 20 Mid Ulster 25
M Trainor 10 v C McHugh 7
J Beattie 14 v D McElroy 7
A Hughes 4 v S Quinn 10

Armageddon

2010-02-24T00:04:00.002Z

The orchard has never been so ripe, 2 years without a defeat, the premier men’s team, complemented by the premier women’s team that decided not to show up against South Tyrone. Juniors......................well who needs a junior team when you have the ruthless recruitment policy of Armagh.

West Down, Oriel & South Tyrone have provided the conveyor belt of talent in the past and with South Down touted as the next stop for the Armagh head hunters is there anybody who can stop the relentless rise of the orchard. No Bruce Willis or Ben Affleck to save the day, it will be left to Quinn Direct and the Bald Eagle to drill out the Armagh Core

Bring It On!

2010-02-23T21:45:00.002Z

The final that many predicted (and wanted) at the start of the season is now upon us. With all the posturing no longer of any benefit, it's time for the Big Guns to take centre stage. Depending upon who you might be talking to, both Mid-Ulster and Armagh will start as favourites. Armagh the current holders and British Isles Champions against the record breaking Mid-Ulster. What a final we have in store this Saturday at St Anne's, Dungannon.

Composure will be the vital component for the winners. Some players may bottle it in the heat of battle whilst others will decorate themselves in more glory. With big names and even bigger reputations spread throughout the two teams, it's anyones guess who will be the toast of Dungannon at the final whistle.

Bring It On!

Oriel Ladies at the Double

2010-02-20T21:41:00.005Z

Oriel Ladies have added to their 2007 Inter-Zone Triumph by winning a second Inter-Zone Title, making them one of the most successful ladies Zone sides in recent years. A 59:50 winning margin at Richhill saw them victorious against a spirited and sporting South Tyrone team. Worryingly for other Zones, this has occurred only a few weeks after Oriel Juniors beat all before them on their march to the Juniors Title, whilst their men's team only lost at the semi-final stage of their Inter-Zone Championship. Can any other Zone lay claim to having such a strong all round set-up?

Seems a case of The Future's Bright, the Future's Oriel

Things that make you go Hhmmm!

2010-02-09T22:46:00.004Z

The January 31st deadline has passed, so any completed questionnaires are now being mulled over by the sub committee of forward thinkers within the IIBA. What will they uncover that will make us go Hhmmmm?

International Selections are sure to be featured with the popular idea of ranking events leading to guaranteed selection for the unheralded elite among us.

Perhaps a universally accepted alternative to the County Championships? Who knows, but good luck to Seamus Kyne and his fellow panel members in uncovering a few novel ideas which will promote our game still further. We hope to hear from you soon Seamus!

Armagh Keep The Faith

2010-02-09T11:07:00.000Z

Armagh have shown their hand early and named an unchanged side for the interzone decider with Mid Ulster. The rumoured and expected changes have not materialised in what is either show of faith to a side that have somewhat laboured to the final, or a major cop out by the selectors. Mid Ulster, your move.

Armagh 2010 Final
Rink 1: Ian Irwin, Paul Whittle, Derek Wright, Marty Trainor
Rink 2: David Beattie, Laurence McCartan, Sean Conroy (Jnr), Joe Beattie
Rink 3: Jack Moffett, Ray Hunter, Ian Perry, Andy Hughes
Rink 4: Jal Richardson, Kieron Trainor, Gary Culbert, Alan Roberts
Rink 5: George Crothers, Nigel Upritchard, Sean Conroy (Snr), Danny McDonald
Rink 6: Colin Deering, Cyril Leckey, Paul Moore, Andy Leckey

Armagh 2009 Final
1. I Irwin, C Leckey, R Hunter,M Trainor
2. LMcCarten,D Beattie,D Wright,J Beattie
3. J Moffett, C Mulholland, I Perry,A Hughes
4. P Wilson, K Trainor, G Culbert, A Roberts
5. P Garvey, S Conroy [Snr], S Conroy [Jnr], D McDonald
6. N Uprichard, G Crothers, P Moore, A Leckey

Limavady Zone Qualifiers

2010-02-02T09:59:00.004Z

Limavady Crfc players overcame an unusually hostile atmosphere at their own national finals to progress to the Irish finals with the sweetest of nights for the all conquering club. It appears that the majority of the large crowd came along for the sole purpose of making life difficult for the Limavady players. This practice is becoming all too common in the game today and sadly it is born out of one thing, jealously. Limavady came away from Saturday’s final with the plaudits after 2 Singles, 2 Triples and the Rinks titles to their credit and if they add a World title to the list in March the national finals next year will require private security.
The full line up of qualifiers look strong with potential winners in each competition, could be a big year for the North West

Singles;
P Mearns (Limavady Crfc)
Lmc Intyre (Ballinteer)
M Doherty (Dupont)
L Harrison (Limavady Crfc)

Pairs;
K mc Cullagh, (Largy)
M mc Cann (Drummond CC)
R Brown (Drummond CC)

Triples;
R o Neill (Limavady Crfc)
N Logue (Limavady Crfc)

Rinks;
Mrs K o Neill (Limavady Crfc)

Junior singles;
J Mullan ( Ballerin)

Junior Pairs;
M Smyth (Killaig) & P Mc Cann(St Pats)

Ladies Singles & Pairs;
F mc Dermott (Coast Road)

Ladies Triples;
Mrs M Mc Elwee (1st Limavady)

Over 55s
R Kennedy (Drummond CC)

Oriels Day Again

2010-01-31T10:05:00.009Z

Oriel got the upper Hands to claim their fourth junior inter-zone crown in fine style, regaining the title with 6 rink wins yesterday in Ardboe. The strength in depth of the Oriel team was a joy to watch with several of the Squad already on the full mens team, the evidence is a few more will follow suit very soon. The oriel mens team is the youngest in the country and after the horror show of St Swithins maybe it’s time to lower the age further by throwing these very capable juniors in at the deep end. Western provided a stern test for Gerry’s young guns but Oriel had the greater quality in front ends and always looked capable of sliding up another gear if required.

Convenor Dilworth will be happy his juniors let their bowls do the talking to claim third place, while Western again making it to the latter stage will be content that the conveyer belt of emerging talent is still ticking along nicely.

Western 32v23 Larne

M. Burleigh 10v6 S. Beggs
T. Brian 13v9 A. Thom
R. Bell 9v8 S. Witherspoon

Oriel 40v18 Foyle

C. Cumiskey 7v5 J. Austin
N. Hand 16v4 S. Donnell
J. Hand 17v9 J.P. Faghy

Final

Western 24v31 Oriel

M. Burleigh 6v9 N. Hand
T. Brian 7v8 C. Cumiskey
R. Bell 11v14 J. Hand

3rd Place play off

Larne 43v27 Foyle

J. Beggs 10v10 A. Austin
S. Witherspoon 11v15 S. Donnell
A. Thom 22v2 J. Austin

Opportunity Knocks

2010-01-29T09:04:00.005Z

The closing date for the return of the IIBA Questionnaire is upon us this weekend. This is a chance to put your opinions and questions across to the executive and receive a bit of feedback. The IIBA development committee of Seamus Kyne, Jim Pickerton & Jean Parkinson will compile the findings and submit a report to the Executive. A summary of suggestions received will be posted on the IIBA website at a later date, so this is your chance to get these suggestions and concerns in the public domain. The contents of the IIBA report will also be posted on Sardonic and readers will get the chance to discuss the findings and your ideas for the way forward.

You are not expected to fill in the whole questionnaire, simply complete the sections that apply to the concerns that YOU have. Those off you that want to remain anonymous to the IIBA e-mail the questionnaire to the address at the top of the page and I will gladly submit it for you.

Any thoughts submitted on the questionnaire which you would like discussed simply e-mail the link above ill post your thoughts on the blog and we can gauge if YOUR idea is likely to be a winner with the bowling public.

I understand there is a fear amongst some that if you submit a questionnaire going against the viewpoint of the current Executive there will be repercussions for your prospects of International/Zone progression. Fiction or factual the IIBA are in a rare position of vulnerability, if you submit a questionnaire they must recognize, consider and post the findings on the IIBA Website, a rare opportunity. Equally there is no point in two weeks/two months coming on a forum, or complaining about the Executive around the halls. This is your chance take it, or lose you voice.

No Class

2010-01-24T15:23:00.001Z

When a young junior steps out of line on the mat there will be plenty to pull him aside and have a quiet word, so why is someone from West Down not pulling a grown man to one side and tell him to wise up and stop dragging the West downs name through the mud.

Interzone games can be passionate affairs and sometimes the boundaries can be stretched to the limit but when someone comes with the intention to yell a everything that moves including his opponents bowls it’s time for someone to say enough is enough, if you can’t handle the occasion and all you want to do is make a fool out off yourself and your teammates, STAY AWAY.

Calling wicks is one thing but when you are shouting your opponent’s bowls towards the ditch as it passes the stick, that’s something a little different. There is plenty of previous on his record so maybe it’s time the West Down hierarchy stepped in and put a stop to the behaviour that is becoming all to frequent.

Revenge is Sweet

2010-01-23T22:49:00.001Z

Armagh and Mid Ulster have reached the bommer cup showpiece after gaining revenge over old foe’s West Down and Oriel. Armagh where involved in real scrap with West Down but lead from start to finish and always looked in control of the tie. Andy leckeys foursome followed up their match winning performance against North Belfast with another impressive win over Alan Johnson 11-8. Alan Roberts followed suit recording a 8-5 victory over Liam Murray to give Armagh a 6 shot cushion at the interval.

West Down where hoping for a strong start to the second half and test the question marks hanging over Armagh’s second half rinks, but it never materialized and Armagh stretched the advantage to 12 shots with two ends remaining. Martin Trainor’s foursome will be disappointed to be the only Armagh rink to suffer defeat against Richard Martin but West Down never got within touching distance of the champions who ambled to victory.

Mid Ulster proved to be anything but mediocre as they destroyed Oriel in all departments. Oriels selectors have to take some responsibility as the changes they made had a negative effect on what was a highly impressive team to this point in the championship.

Taffee’s young rink was crying out for leadership that never came, short bowls and the excessive weight used in an attempt to convert the heads sent out a message of despair across the mats. Mark Wilsons rink did have the visitors under pressure from the off with Trevor Turginkton superb at third.
Danny mc Stravock four where excellent and dominated Michael Hands rink who would have been happy to escape with the 5-8 reverse. Philip Impressed at lead but only broke even with mc Glinchey, Conlon was steady without going the extra mile while Tommy Johnston rolled back the years to overwhelm Diarmuid mc Mahon who looked lost on his return to the backend. Stephen mc Mahon provided la resistance with the whole rink putting in a fine display recording a 8-7 win against Irish International Alan Paul, but Mid Ulster held a 13 shot advantage at the break. The second half was a non-event with mid Ulster cruising to a victory of 30 shots and Oriel throwing in the towel with two ends left.

Oriel will be rocked with the manner of defeat as Mid Ulster’s front ends left their counterparts looking very average, and the backends where hardly better. Mid Ulster on the other hand had the look of champions, strong from lead to skip, they outclassed Oriel and you felt there was more in the tank. Beware Armagh, Mid Ulster are the real deal.

Semi Final Scores

2010-01-23T17:13:00.007Z

MID ULSTER 58-30 Oriel

Mark Wilson 14 v 3 Billy Taffe
Danny McStravock 8 v 5 Michael Hand
Alan Paul 7 v 8 Stephen McMahon
----------------------------------
Colm McHugh 9 v 4 Kevin Conroy
Damien McElroy 11 v 4 John Murnaghan
Sean Quinn 9 v 6 Gerry McCabe

WEST DOWN 43-52 ARMAGH

D Hamilton 7 v 7 Dmc Donald
A Johnston 8 v 11 A Leckey
L Murray 5 v 8 A Roberts
--------------------------
DJ Wilson 6 v 11 A Hughes
R Martin 11 v 8 M Trainor
J Wilson 6 v 7 J Beattie

INTERZONE FINAL 2010

MID ULSTER V ARMAGH

It Matters

2010-01-23T01:20:00.002Z

It’s only a game. Are we really expected to believe that? Today matters and it matters more than most would want to admit, the build up, the verbal sparring couldn’t all be for nothing. Come 2 o Clock the talking will stop and be replaced with well............shouting, passion, delight, despair and finally triumphant.

In the heat of battle even the most experienced heads can succumb to the intensity of a top class inter-zone game and they don’t come any bigger than this. Oriel and West Down should hold the psychological advantage over their opponents having won the previous encounters, however a good start from Armagh and Mid Ulster will banish any demons from the players minds and help drive them on to victory. Armagh will feel they should off won the 2008 semi-final but must also have nightmares about how they wilted in the closing ends of the game to gift wrap West Down the victory. If the game is once again tight in the closing ends the Armagh players will have to step up to the platter to avoid another crushing defeat to their near neighbours. The orchard boys rely heavily on the first half foursomes providing the cushion in which to defend, but West Down have the quality to withstand the onslaught and if they can get their noses in front for half time, should book there place in the decider.

Mid Ulster will be all too aware today’s opponents have obliterated them on the previous two encounters and will be keen to return the favour. A simple one shot win would suffice but quietly Mid Ulster will want to send the Oriel lads back down the road with their tails firmly between their legs. Expect this game to explode into life with the first toucher sure to get a rapturous response from one side of St Swithins as the battle is fought both on a off the mats. Considering the previous history Mid Ulster need to be in touch of Oriel by half time or the demons will come streaming back. Last season was meant to be the re-emergence of the sleeping giant but it proved to be a false dawn, can Mid Ulster finally return to the glory years and prove they are more than just mediocre

Men's IZ Semi Final Teams

2010-01-20T18:39:00.003Z

Mid Ulster

Rink 1: D Grimes, S Davidson, T Turkington, M Wilson

Rink 2: S McGlinchey, C Hill, T Johnston, D McStravock

Rink 3: J Martin, C McKnight, G Smith, A Paul

Rink 4: G Merron, B Kyne, D Jordan, C McHugh

Rink 5: C Hogg, S.Kyne, L McHugh, D McElroy

Rink 6: D McAllister, A Bradley, L Conway, S Quinn

Oriel

Rink 1 Philip Mackin, Sean Conlon, Diarmuid McMahon, Michael Hand

Rink 2 MJ O’Conner, John McMahon, Paul Duff, Stephen McMahon

Rink 3 Seamus McPharland, Jason Hand, Conor Mackin, Billy Taaffe

Rink 4 Thomas Martin, Thomas Gartlan, Hughie McDonagh, John Murnaghan

Rink 5 Benny McCabe, Jim Fox, Gareth McMahon, Kevin Conroy

Rink 6 Niall Hand, Brendan McCabe, Paddy Hanlon, Gerry McCabe

West Down team

Rink 1: Dessie Scott, David Graham, Eddie Campbell, Richard Martin

Rink 2: Robert Scott, David Peden, Conor McCartan, Dessie Hamilton

Rink 3: Lennie Graham, Gavin Clinghan, Robert Kidd, Liam Murray

Rink 4: Trevor Gray, Cecil Dillon, John Martin, Allan Johnston

Rink 5: Robert Greer, Peter Convery, Darren Bowman, Jonny Wilson

Rink 6: Jonny Gray, Davy McCandless, Seamus Murphy, DJ Wilson

Armagh’s team

Rink 1: Ian Irwin, Paul Whittle, Derek Wright, Marty Tranior

Rink 2: David Beattie, Laurence McCartan, Sean Conroy (Jnr), Joe Beattie

Rink 3: Jack Moffett, Ray Hunter, Ian Perry, Andy Hughes

Rink 4: Jal Richardson, Kieron Trainor, Gary Culbert, Alan Roberts

Rink 5: George Crothers, Nigel Upritchard, Sean Conroy (Snr), Danny McDonald

Rink 6: Colin Deering, Cyril Leckey, Paul Moore, Andy Leckey

Nicked with thanks from BowlsNI

Up Front

2010-01-19T12:23:00.006Z

All great empires are built on solid foundations. The headlines on Sunday morning will likely herald the the magic that Gerry, Colum, Jonty or Marty has produced to lead their zone to victory, but every great magician has a glamorous assistant. Can’t do glamorous but four front end players who could have a vital role to play.

Armagh; Kieran Trainor
Integral part of Armagh’s most reliable rink at number 2, left handed south paw with a proven pedigree for the big occasion. British Isles fours title at second to sit alongside two previous Irish crowns, Kieran fits perfectly into foursome with Culbert (third) , Roberts(skip) & Jal Richardson who has stepped in to occupy the lead berth vacated by the injured Paul Wilson. Kieran has all the shots and should maybe be returned to the backend of the team but the selectors are unlikely to break up a winning formula.

Oriel ; Jason & Niall Hand
Two hands are better than one. Remember the name as these kids have the ability to go all the way in the shortmat game, multi talented, fearless and they seem to be multiplying. Daddy Michael has become one off Oriels most prized assets as skip and indications are the kids will follow suit. Niall is leading for Gerry mc Cabe and rest assured the jack will be under constant assault from the red rockets. Billy Taffee will be delighted to have young Jason at number 2 and will have no qualms about his temperament in the hostile atmosphere of St Swithins, Jason has a cool head on his shoulders for one so young but this resolve will be tested to the full as Saturday could be something quite different.

Mid Ulster; Anthony Bradley
The perfect number two. Has the ability to skip this team and is highly respected throughout the bowling fraternity, disciplined enough to play second without trying to undermine the skips shot selection. Regular winner on the tournament circuit and a veteran of the “five in a row” side. Anthony can play any shot and importantly this ability is complimented with an excellent temperament. Anthony will have a quiet demeanour on the mat on Saturday but as the saying goes and he lets his bowls do the talking Quinn Direct will have “El Divo” at number 2

West Down; Peter Convery
Better known for his exploits with the all conquering Dunbarton outdoor team, Peter also has a few titles to his name at the shortmat code. Peter won the 1997 junior singles crown and followed this up by reaching the national pairs final only to be disqualified on a technicality. Having recently returned from his travels in Australia, peter would and would be better suited to skipping a rink for west down but he rightly has to prove his form and commitment to a team that is gunning for their third final in four years. A first half head to head with Kieran Trainor is a possibility, if it materializes expect a blow for blow slugfest.

West Down looking Up

2010-01-18T22:08:00.000Z

If 2 outa 3 ain't bad, three outa four would be a one way ticket to Cloud Nine for West Down. Despite missing out on the final last year, West Down contested the previous 2 finals which will give them hope to do the business once again in Saturday's much anticipated derby match with reigning champions Armagh. The pessimists amongst us might point to the fact that on both of those occasions West Down were the weakest link and left with nothing, but on the flip side, the players will know that they forgot to pack their 'A'game along with their bowls and shoes before leaving for the finals and now have the opportunity to make it third time lucky.

Will they do it? Everyone knows West Down have the talent amongst their ranks to beat any team on their day and Saturday just might be their day. Against the star spangled Lisburn Zone five rink wins from six was a mighty signal of intent and no Lisburn player will be shocked if West Down progress to this season's decider, in fact many expect that to be the case.

Like their opponents, West Down have no shortage of big name bowlers and with Dessie, DJ, Johnny and Richard et al they may even be ahead on points already in that department. They certainly have bowls' X Factor Winner amongst their charges in the enigmatic Jonty. So nearly the villain against Lisburn, big Alan will relish the fact that this game has come around quickly to help banish the nightmares which followed that game. After Mr Hyde's showing the last day my money is on Dr Jekyll to put on a performance that would have Cheryl Cole gagging - sorry, getting carried away there!

Perhaps over shadowed by Mid Ulster and Oriel's rematch, the West Down Armagh game has all the ingredients to be a classic. Get there early as it'll be standing room only. Good Luck to all involved in both Saturday's games.

Armagh's Title Charge

2010-01-17T22:42:00.000Z

The Armagh Men will be hoping for better luck this Saturday than their ladies team had last weekend. The Armagh men have earned a deserved reputation for being dogged opponents and have won all before them during the last year after adding the Top Team Title to last season's Boomer win. In the Top Team event they blew away England and Wales' best without even getting into second gear. While many pundits are pointing to the Mid-Ulster / Oriel semi final as the one which will produce this years Champions, they may well be doing Armagh a great service by taking the spotlight and pressure off the reigning champs.

Armagh have strength in depth, with Irish Internationals old and new in abundance throughout their rinks. They have possibly the strongest front end players of all the remaining sides and one other vital ingredient, they know how to win!

Despite what some might say, Armagh will not under estimate their West Down opponents but neither will they fear them. They will give them the respect they deserve and know that anything less than a top performance could see them lose their crown. West Down were the last team to beat Armagh and the memory of that extra end defeat just might be enough to spur the Orchard boys on to victory.

Silent But Deadly

2010-01-17T19:15:00.001Z

Have Oriel come of age? While all around are blowing their collective trumpets Oriel have went quietly about their business with ruthless efficiency and are now on the verge of creating a remarkable piece of history with an inter-zone clean sweep. The ladies will start as favourites against a South Tyrone side who may have already played their trump card to dethrone the champions.

The men have managed to stay under the radar despite scoring over 200 shots in 3 competitive matches. Mid Ulster are expecting to provide Oriel with a much sterner test this season and get their revenge over the team that ended the reign of the famous “5 in a row” side, but the revenge was also booked for last season and Oriel didn’t read that script either. Internal wrangling has cost Mid Ulster in recent years and with “mediocre-gate” in full flow once again, another self destruct could be imminent

Armagh Rot

2010-01-16T22:37:00.000Z

Is the orchard beginning to rot, six rink defeats is a stat that should bring the apples back down to earth, granted all the games where tight affairs but Armagh expected to win this game comfortably . South Tyrone can now march toward the final knowing a repeat performance will give them a great chance of regain the Mc Ilroy cup for the first since 2000.
South Tyrone 61 v Armagh 46
I Eldon 8 v E Smith 7
K Daly 13 v R Cassells 9
J McOscar 9 v M Cassells 8
A McKiver 9 v C McMillen 7
C Campbell 11 v F McNally 7
M McGrath 11 v P Beattie 8

Oriel 72 v 46 Mid Tyrone
Oriel are beginning to believe they can achieve the impossible of winning the Mens, ladies and Juniors Championships in the one season and on today’s performance the ladies look up for the challenge. Mid Tyrone had already proved their pedigree with impressive wins over East Antrim and North West this year and travelled with hopes of springing a surprise on the home side. Oriel had other ideas and exploded out of the blocks with the ever dependable Imelda Hanratty four leaving the Tyrone foursome perplexed as she guided her rink to a vital 19-3 success. Maggie Carrolls four added an impressive 14-5 win leaving the home side with a 23 shot advantage at half time and the game was over as a contest.
G Roullier 8 v H McGlone 10
M Carroll 14 v V Fox 5
I Hanratty 19 v T McGeeghan 3
R Brennan 10 v J McKee 9
C McMahon 12 v R McEnenly 9
M Martin 9 v W Sterritt 10

Ladies Shield Semi-Finals
Mid Ulster 60 v Foyle 47
South Belfast 51 v West Down 54