Martin McHugh and Sam Barkley secure semi-final spot

Martin McHugh and Sam Barkley are one win away from securing a Commonwealth Games medal in the men’s bowls pairs.
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The Team NI duo cruised into today’s semi-final against Wales with a comprehensive 26-8 win over India in the last eight.

McHugh, who was one of the flag bearers at the opening ceremony, won a gold medal at the 1998 Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games, but feels his partnership with Barkley has developed as the tournament has progressed, especially after a shock defeat in the opening game.

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“It is unbelievable from our first game against the Norfolk Islands to where we are now, it is great to get to the semi-final ,it is one more game and it is our final and we need to win that game,” said McHugh.

Martin McHugh and Sam BarkleyMartin McHugh and Sam Barkley
Martin McHugh and Sam Barkley

“It was a great honour to carry the flag and I am so chuffed for the kid (Sam) he has worked so hard to get where he is now and I’m looking forward to the semi-final.”

Team NI got off to the perfect start against India.

“We looked at each other after the first trial was over and the green was a lot heavier and it was all about the start and we got a five, the kid started me off and we got a five,” said McHugh.

“We have that chemistry as we play at club level together (Randalstown), we play at Nationals together. Sam is great to play with I couldn’t ask for a better.”

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Barkley wasn’t born when McHugh was topping the podium in Malaysia but he is enjoying his first Commonwealth Games experience.

“I can’t believe it, first Commonwealth Games semi-final,” he said.

“We have two chances to get a medal but we don’t want two chances we’re going to win the next one, it has been a dream so far.”

Despite the age gap Barkley feels McHugh and himself are bonding well.

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“That’s what it takes and that is what makes a good combination,” he said.

“Even the bad bowls are good bowls there are no such things as bad bowls everything is good and that is what makes it a good pair.

“It’s one game at and hopefully we can get this man another one, they are all tough it doesn’t matter now if we win we are guaranteed a medal.”

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