McKeever magic claims cup for St Michael’s trio

9 November 2016

IT was all seats taken as Bobby Douglas’ St Michael’s A team annexed the McAllister Cup.

The all-important draw paired John Weston with Matt Fegan and Robert Pollock with Bobby Douglas in the first two matches.

Weston was soon into his stride and an early 39 break had Fegan on the back foot. Further breaks of 25, 27 and 36 saw the Crossgar cueman home on a scoreline of 200-59.

The 141-point win was just what the doctor ordered as Crossgar sought to overcome the 230 points they were conceding on handicap.

On the other table, things were a lot tighter as Pollock and Douglas vied for superiority. The lead changed numerous times, but at the halfway mark and despite breaks of 23 and 29 by Douglas,

Pollock was still just in front at 102-90.

Unfortunately for him and Crossgar’s chances, he hit a lean spell at the wrong time and Douglas took full advantage to hit the front. A tidy 25 break took the genial taximan to within 19 points of victory on 181, with Pollock feeling the strain. Before long it was all over and Douglas’ 200-153-point win had tipped the scales in his team’s favour.

The last match was between Crossgar’s Kenny Campbell and Gareth McKeever, with Campbell looking at a 136-point deficit. To have any chance of overturning this, Campbell needed a fast start.

However, it was McKeever who got the first few points on the board and when he added a 20 break, he was halfway to the 65 points required, with Campbell yet to get going.

Just as in the semi-final, McKeever kept the scoreboard ticking over and when he sank a

typical long pot-red, he had reached 66 points and the McAllister Cup was won.

League treasurer Pollock did the honours, presenting the cup to a magnanimous Douglas, who thanked the referees, markers and all who had come to watch the final, before inviting everyone to enjoy the refreshments.

CROSSGAR 269

ST MICHAEL’S A 415

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