Salver success for Killinchy bowlers

Salver success for Killinchy bowlers

10 April 2024

KILLINCHY overcame rivals Saintfield in the final of the Ian McDowell Memorial Salver on Saturday night. 

On the first run of the mats, Graeme Chambers’ triple from the hosting Killinchy club played Gerry McMullan’s triple from Saintfield. 

Gerry got off to a great start leading 6-0 after three ends. Graeme’s triple fought back winning four of the next five ends to lead 10-7. 

The Saints were not finished and scored three shots on the ninth end and one shot on the last end to win 11-10. 

On the other mat, Ken Orr’s triple from Killinchy played Jim Alexander’s triple. This was a game the Killinchy triple completely dominated from start to finish. 

They won eight of the ten ends leaving the home side winners by an emphatic 15-3 score-line. This left Killinchy with a comfortable 25-14 lead at half-time. 

The second half saw Tom McNeilly’s triple from Killinchy play Lorna Stevenson’s triple. After five ends, the Killinchy triple led 5-2 and this set the scene for the rest of the game.

Tom scored seven shots in the second half of the game while restricting Lorna to just two shots which left Tom’s triple comfortable winners by 12-4.

On the final mat, Ernie Kenmore’s triple from Killinchy was drawn against Malcolm Foreman. Malcolm raced into a 6-0 lead after five ends. 

Ernie’s triple, however, won the last three ends to reduce the Saintfield margin of victory to 9-6. This left Killinchy winners by 43-27. 

Mrs Margaret McDowell presented the Ian McDowell Memorial Salver to Anne McNeilly, team captain of Killinchy.

A lovely supper was provided by the Mid Down Zone committee at half-time and enjoyed by those present. 

After supper those present had an opportunity to make a donation to this year’s charity, Air Ambulance NI. A sum of £360 was raised on the night and the final sum raised will be presented at the Mid Down AGM. 

Special thanks go to Killinchy Presbyterian Church for the use of their hall, Richard Davidson and his helpers for setting up the hall for play, those who helped to serve supper and those who stayed behind to tidy up.