Shane Hand went into the final of the Nationals knowing that victory would create history. After a pulsating qualifying session, were he narrowly beat the holder Terry Crawford in the 1st game and then went into cruise control beating all around him, he knew that only his "A" game would be good enough for victory.

Shane had a huge support on the day and wow did he give them something to shout about. He began with a count of 4 and 3 to race into a 7-0 lead after 2 ends. Shane then dropped a count of 3 shots to reduce his lead to 4. This was going to be a very high scoring match. After 10 ends Shane again had a lead of 7 but again dropped 4. The sunlight was now glazing into Shanes eyes but a soon as the pressure came on him Shane showed his class and ended the match 20-12 with an end to spare. Shane had created history and it was the 1st time that any Zone held the title of Junior Pairs, Junior Singles and Junior Zone winners.

 

Paddy finishes Runner-up to a Remarkable Alan Paul

 

 

Paddy went into the final with high hopes that he could keep the National singles title in Oriel. Things began badly for the Cooley man dropping a count of 3 in the 1st end. The mat looked very tricky but the experienced Alan Paul was able to cope better with the conditions. Everything Paddy seemed to try was back firing and in the end lost 15-5.

While Paddy lost in the final it should be looked at as a great achievement in reahing such a prestigious final at such a young age. If he continues  his progress he will surely be back one day.