DONEGAL ace Pat McCloughan won the Frank Spalding Ulster Masters CVlosed tournament in Downpatrick on Saturday when he defeated Willie Cherry, Jeremy Lappin and Maurice Rooney in the top four shoot-out.
The event was held in De La Salle High School’s sports hall and proceeds went to the RVH Children’s Scanner Appeal fund.
After dispatching the hard hitting Lappin and the entertaining Rooney in straight sets, McCloughan was pitted against No. 1 seed Cherry, the only player to have represented Ulster at all levels, from cadet to veteran.
The stylish McCloughan plays with great spin variation while Cherry relies on spectacular power shots from both backhand and forehand.
McCloughan was also seeking revenge after losing to the former Commonwealth player in their last outing.
In this highly charged encounter he gained the upper hand from the off with a tactical game that forced Cherry to make uncharacteristic mistakes, whilst his own topspin placement was superb and he ran out a comfortable 3-1 winner.
Fermanagh champion Lappin secured bronze when he got the better of an exhausted Rooney in a gruelling five setter.
The performance of the day must go to Civil Service defender Rooney after his giant killing acts on three of the favourites — Jack Cash, Norman Nabney and Martin Pickles.
However, the loudest cheers of the day were saved for De La Salle player Stevie Galbraith, who was amongst a host of local players who clearly enjoyed playing against Ulster’s best.
Galbraith was in tremendous form throughout the competition. His straight sets victory over Donegal attacker Paul Gallagher in a thrilling consolation final capped a great performance from a player in form.
The organising committee would like to thank De La Salle High School for staging the event and CosyRoof Conservatory Roof Insulation for transporting tables.
Frank Spalding top 12: 1. Pat McCloughan, 2. Willie Cherry, 3. Jeremy Lappin, 4. Maurice Rooney, 5. Mark McAllister, 6. Norman Nabney, 7. Roy Coard, 8. Brian Martin, 9. Martin Pickles, 10. Barry Dickson, 11. Jay McAllister, 12. Ronnie Drain.