Strangford crowned champions

Strangford crowned champions

26 February 2025

STRANGFORD A...................6

OWENBEG A.........................4

STRANGFORD are the new league champions, but they needed to be at their very best against a determined Owenbeg team, who believed they could get something from this match.

With Jason Gill unavailable, John McEvoy was called up from the B team and rewarded his inclusion with two wins.

Pat Mulholland got Owenbeg off to a good start in a tight five-set win over Colin McKinty. But in another close five-setter Marty Trainor evened the score with victory over Hugh Scott.

Joe McConville didn’t know what to expect in his match with McEvoy, whose has been in good form for the B team.

McEvoy decided to have a go and with his big forehand finding gaps in the McConville defence he won the first set 12-10.

But McConville changed tactics and went on the offensive to win the next three sets.

Mulholland made it 2-2 with his four-set victory over Trainor but as the match progressed both teams shared game wins. McConville and McKinty got home in straight sets for the two points needed to clinched the title.

BANBRIDGE A......................9

STRANGFORD B...................1

BRIAN Morrow has been a steady influence on this squad as results have shown.

Brian sent his team on their winning ways with a straight games win over Peter Madine followed by a similar winning margin from Vignesh over Michael Deery.

Rory Mc Swiggan made it 2-1 with an excellent four-set win over Ala. Strangford continued to make their opponents work for their wins and should be pleased the scores they put on the card.

BANBRIDGE B......................7

STRANGFORD B...................3

THIS was a much more even affair, despite the inevitable result.

Gary Smith got his side off to a winning start with a four-set win over Peter Madine.

Ala made it two for Banbridge with Michael Deery still playing well in his fourth game of the night before Rory McSwiggan completed the double over Lorraine Smith – a lady who really enjoys her table tennis.

The home team won the next two games before Rory put another win on the card with his second win over Ala, who was playing for both Banbridge teams.

Peter got his first win of the night in a three-set victory over Lorraine. Strangford continued put scores on the card but were unable to prevent Banbridge from a double win.

As Strangford made the long journey home, they could be pleased with their performance.

OWENBEG A.......................10

STRANGFORD B...................2

ANOTHER Strangford rotational squad were delighted with their performance against Owenbeg A.

The Strangford team included Marion Rooney, whose dedication to practice is paying off. She took one game on the night and contributed to the doubles win.

Hugh Scott got his team off to winning ways with a straight sets win over Marion. Pat Mulholland made it 2-0 against Cormac Reilly and Nuala Hynds was delighted to take a set off Fionnuala Heggerty.

Strangford won the doubles and Marion Rooney secured victory over Heggerty, who was drafted in at short notice without much practice and can be pleased with her contribution.

The Lecale League ‘bat and chat’ competition for players who mainly play for recreation will be held at Owenbeg Bowling Club. Jay McAllister has kindly agreed to officiate. League secretary will be in touch with clubs shortly to finalise arrangements. For further information contact jimritchie1@yahoo.co.uk.