North West kids are a cut above the rest
Once again the impressive North West kids demonstrated their potential which earned them the title for the third successive year.
They coasted through the group stages to earn a spot in the semi finals along with the other section winners, South Down and Monaghan, while Western qualified for the last four as the best placed runners-up.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdIn the semis, North West edged past Monaghan . . . and Western proved to be too strong for South Down.
But North West turned in a flawless performance when it mattered in the final, winning all four disciplines.
"First and foremost it was fantastic to see so many young bowlers perform at such a high level," said O'Neill. "They didn't show any sign of nerves and their ability stood out on the big stage.
"The coaches and parents of all the junior zones involved should be very proud."
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdO'Neill insisted many of his young team have a big part to play in the game in future years.
"The side played really well throughout the tournament, but they really stepped up to the mark against a good Western team in the final," he added.
"Obviously, the experience of winning the tournament in previous years stood the team in good stead, even though there were are number of chances involved.
"They really upped their game when it mattered in the latter stages of matches. But all the zones should be congratulated for playing their part in what was a great spectacle. Western in particular have been a real threat to North West over the past three years and they are certainly building for the future.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad"The County Antrim Indoor Bowls Club also played it's part in helping make the tournament the success it was. The facilities were superb and club manager Rod Coleman and his committee should be congratulated."
Results
Junior Match Play Final: North West 42 (5) Western 19 (0): Singles: J Rankin 12 M Ferguson 7. Pairs: A Rankin 11 C Scott 5. Triples S O'Neill 9 B Power 4; Fours: C Marshall 10 H Ferguson 3.