Caragh condemn Rathmore to the drop in KWWIBA

Kildare West Wicklow Indoor Bowling Association (KWWIBA)

Caragh Condemn Rathmore

The recent division 1 bowling league match between Rathmore and Caragh was of a huge significance to Rathmore in contrast to the Caragh side.

This being the last league game of the season for both clubs, it was of the utmost importance for the Rathmore team to collect a couple of points to keep their division 1 status for the coming season. Whereas their opponents were under no pressure whatsoever, having been the clear leaders and were already crowned champions a couple of games back.

Rathmore with home advantage were expected to at least get those vital points to survive and avoid the drop.

Oh! So Easy

Mat 1: This mat was very competitive up to the sixth end with very little separating the sides. At this stage it seemed like we were going to be in for a close and hard fought game, but unfortunately for Rathmore, they completely lost their way from hereon in to the finish.

With nothing at stake for the visitors, it was much easier for them to play a more relaxed game, whereas their opponents were under severe pressure to try and win some badly needed points.

The home side didn’t play particularly bad on the night, but once Caragh started to pile on the scores they were never going to let any openings for a Rathmore comeback. It just petered out as a contest and ended up oh so easy for Caragh.

Caragh: Dom Kavanagh, Timmy Wright, Denis Judge and John Joe Byrne.

Rathmore: Mary Corrigan, Joe Cox, Mary Brady and Bernie McIntyre.

Epic

Mat 2: Things started off very well for the home side on this mat, with a score on the first end and then again two scores on the second end which helped them to settle quickly into the game.

On the next end it was Caragh’s turn with a score of two. Fourth end it was Caragh again with a score of one, sides level.

We were now witnessing a mighty and entertaining battle between these two great teams, Rathmore fighting for survival to hold their division 1 status and Caragh not wanting to lose their final game of the season and were determined to finish up on a winning streak.

It was really a gigantic see - saw epic at this stage with neither side giving away any major scores.

On the seventh end Caragh brought the game to level terms once more. On the next couple of ends Rathmore opened up a gap of three, under normal circumstances this lead would not be considered as a major setback, but the way this game had been progressing it seemed like a massive lead at the time. But true to form the visitors on the next few ends fought back to overtake the home side and go into the lead once more.

Four ends to go, all to play for. Were we going to have a thrilling finish? Alas for Rathmore this is where it all began to unravel, as Caragh started to put some distance between them and run out comfortable winners. The scoreboard didn’t do justice to Rathmore at the finish after such a hectic contest.

This defeat condemns Rathmore to Division 2 for next season, while Caragh can celebrate as Div.1 champions.

Caragh: John O’Toole, Christy McDonald, Martin Lynch and Pat O’Driscoll.

Rathmore: Joe Fenner, Mary Hayden, Dave Pitt and Breda Fenner.

Tony Hegarty Perpetual Memorial Trophy

The Ardclough Bowling Club’s annual Tournament will run from Thursday 2nd June to Sunday 5th June inclusive. This tournament was set up last year by the Ardclough club in honour of the late Tony Hegarty, one of the club’s outstanding bowlers. Matches will be played in the Ardclough GAA Centre. Times to be announced later.