Strangford overcome rivals St John’s in Handicap Shield

Strangford overcome rivals St John’s in Handicap Shield

13 March 2024

CHEERED on by a full house of home spectators, Strangford A comfortably defeated St John’s to win the Lecale Table Tennis League Handicap Shield, which is dedicated to the memory of home legend Noel Breen. 

In their two league matches, St John’s were comfortable winners but Strangford were determined to get their reward from a busy season and in the first match of the night Colin McKinty did well to restrict the in-form Jim Mills to a six-point winning margin. 

Joe McConville, who has pulled Strangford teams home over many years in handicap competitions, did well to limit Vincey Poland to a two-point winning margin. 

However, Michael Carey’s 17-point victory over Sean Poland added 11 points to the Strangford total for a 71-point advantage going into the second round of matches. 

The second round was a combination of close encounters but Strangford managed to increase their lead by seven points. 

With the home side 105 points ahead and the handicap points still to be added, the league champions knew that it was mission impossible but the Newcastle trio never gave up and made their hosts work for every point. 

Congratulations to both teams on providing an excellent night of table tennis at the Inverbrena Hall.

The Strangford charity competition for Division 2 registered players only will take place this Thursday at the Inverbrena Hall in Strangford, commencing at 8pm. Registration at 7.30pm.