Report on the British Isles International Series 2009

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Written by Dermie
Monday, 30 November 2009 03:32
On Sunday the 23rd of November 2009 Gerry McCabe became the first person from Oriel Zone to win a British Isles Individual Title. After last year’s heroics of winning the National Singles and runner-up in the National Rinks, Gerry continued his phenomenal form in Llandrindod Wells, Wales by outplaying his counterparts from England, Scotland, Isle of Man and Wales. Paul Duff was involved also in the winning Irish International team. Paul became only the 2nd player from Oriel to represent the International team.

Day 1

Gerry began his quest by playing the Isle of Man on Saturday Morning. This was a one-sided affair with Gerry easily winning 19-10.

Paul Duff's first game in the team event took place against Wales. Paul leading in a rink that included Raymond Stubbs (Skip), Gerard Conroy (Third) and Joe Beattie (2nd) were always in control, winning their individual mat 11-3 and the over-all 51-29.

Gerry's next contest was against the heavily fancied A Evans from Wales. Evans had previously beaten T Brown from England and if Gerry had lost this match, he would have almost certainly lost any hope of winning the title. Gerry was having a great tussle and with a few ends to go could have gone either way. Gerry then sprung into gear and won the all-important match 15-12. This victory left him in a very promising position going into day 2.

Day 2

On Sunday Morning the Team Event again took to the field this time to face Scotland. This was expected to be an easy affair and that is exactly how it turned out with Paul's rink winning 11-4. Paul was playing extremely well burying jacks when the opportunity arose and doing exactly what Raymond told him to do.

Gerry, who was undefeated on the first day, now played England. The beginning of the match was very close with both sides trading shots but Gerry began to exert serious pressure on his English counterpart. Gerry from the 9th end played incredible bowls and ended up winning 19-11.

Paul then took to the field in the team event against the Isle of Man. This proved to be even easier then the Scottish Match with Raymond's rink (Inc Paul) having the closest match winning 13-7.

From left to right: Garfield Lithco, James McCaffery, Gary Burke, Sammy Hall, Ryan O'Neill,

Paul Duff, Alan Paul, Raymond Stubbs, Colum McHugh, Gerard Conroy,Derik Spratt,

Joe Beattie, Andrew Leckey, John Quinn, Leigh Harrison, Paul Reid

Day 2 Continued:

In Gerry's last game he knew that only a complete disaster would see him lose the title. However he wasn’t willing to take any chances, winning 17-10 and becoming the first Oriel Zone player to win an Individual British Isles title.

Paul's final match was against the old rivals England with Ireland again winning with ease this time 52-29 with Raymond’s rink winning 10-7. Paul now joined Kevin Conroy in becoming only the 2^nd player from Oriel to win in the International Team event.

Last Updated on Sunday, 13 December 2009 07:06