Drumaness secure victory in battle of the heavyweights

8 November 2023

ST JOHN’S B.........................4

DRUMANESS........................6

THESE two title chasers were not expecting to face each other so early in the season but this division will throw up plenty of twists and turns and this match was no exception.

The contest between Vincey Poland and Pat Mulholland is usually a close affair but on this occasion the home skipper was in top form and got home in straight games.

Ann Poland was also in excellent form and should be pleased with performance against the attacking force of Hugh Scott, taking the match to deuce all three games.

Sean Poland found Charlie Murray in top form and never got going against Murray’s all-round game, losing 3-0. But no such problem for brother Vincey with a straight games wins over the same player to even the score.

St John’s went back in front with an excellent doubles win over Mulholland and Murray. Pat Mulholland beat Ann Poland and Hugh Scott saw off Sean Poland.

Although man of the match Vincey Poland kept his team in the match with his hat-trick of wins, two further wins by Mulholland and Murray sealed the points for the visitors.

OWENBEG C.........................7

STRANGFORD C...................3

STRANGFORD captain Niall Houghton decided to reward the ladies for the success of their summer table tennis programme by fielding an all female team for their first competitive match — and what a performance they gave.

Boosted by their travelling support they fought and enjoyed every ball won to rapturous applause.

John McAvoy got Owenbeg off to a good start with a four-game win over Marion Rooney. Dan McMcAvoy decided to give his nephew his first outing in the league and his faith was repaid by a straight games win over Lorna Duffy.

Eugene McNeill had to work hard to see off the spirited challenge of Nuala Hynds in four games. Owenbeg reeled off the next two games before Marion Rooney excellent win over Eugene put Strangford’s first win on the card.

Owenbeg wrapped up the points following two wins from John and Manus McAvoy. But the Strangford ladies’ night of celebration hadn’t ended.

Lorna Duffy secured her team’s second point with a 12-10 fifth set win over Eugene and teamed up with Marion

to win another five-setter to the delight of their travelling support.

This was a match played in a friendly and enjoyable manner. Well done to both teams.

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