BOWLS: Jal Richardson comeback secures main prize at Ballybrakes

The tournament, sponsored by Taylor Bowls and Basil Knipe Electrics, Ballymoney again attracted a massive entry over the Festive period.

Richardson defeated Brian Trimble in a gripping decider. In fact, the Cookstown man led throughout a thrilling contest until his opponent levelled matters going into the last end.

Playing his second bowl, Richardson drove the jack into the corner of the ditch, with his bowl nestling beside it. Trimble had no option but to shake hands.

“It was another great success, with the entries equalling last year’s numbers,” said organiser Donna McCloy. “The youngest competitor this year was Alex Jones from Finvoy, aged only six, played in the pairs along with his dad, Chris.

“Young Matthew Hastings was the only player engaged in the two disciplines, but lost in the semi final of the singles to the eventual winner and the quarter-final of the pairs.”

Meanwhile, Philip Dennison and Noel Graham, from Loughaghery, defeated Du Pont’s Kenny and Lorenzo Graham to win the pairs tournament.

The singles section qualifiers were: Chris Wilson (Michelin); Brian Rankin (Deramore); Willian Boggs (Ardstraw); Paul Reid (Ballinderry); Matthew Hastings (Ballywalter Park); Barry Kane (Benvarden); William Service (1st Limavady); John Quinn (Ballylennon); P McKeever (Drummond); Brian Trimble (St Bridget’s, Glengormley); Jal Richardson (St Mark’s, Portadown) and Joseph Beattie (St Marks, Portadown).

The pairs qualifiers were: Curtis and Matthew Hastings (Ballywalter Park); Kenny Campbell, Lorenzo Graham (Du Pont),Seamus McMath, Ivan Craig (Broughshane PFA); Leslie McIntyre, Eddie Jamison (Ballinteer); Adrian Carson, Mark McKeown (Dunluce); Tommy Mullan, Uel McKeeman (Dunluce); Philip Dennison, Noel Graham (Loughaghery); Ken Shirley, Aaron Tennant (St Colman’s, Dervock).