Last Thursday there was a great Baird cup match between Derek, Carrick and Drew (subbing for Adam) and a Dun Laoghaire rink skipped by Mick Tyrell. In a very tight game there was nothing in it after 9 ends with the Railway Rink leading 8 – 6. But they lost a 5 on the 10th and 2 on the 11th to look in trouble at 8 – 13 down. But an amazing 7 on the 12th end put them in the driving seat at 16 – 13 after 13 ends. The last 5 ends were close affairs with no team getting more the the minimum 1 point but Railway always looked in control with Dun Laoghaire saving shot and never holding any count. A great win and they have been drawn at home in the next round against another Dun Laoghaire rink. After the game Drew apologised to his team mates for his slow start to the game. He said he had 10 vouchers for free drink in his pocket that he should have been using in the Merrion Inn at that time and found it hard to concentrate. What a sacrifice to play a bowls game.
The mens 1st had no game this weekend but the ladies played Westmanstown away on Saturday morning. As we go to print I have not been able to confirm what the score was.
On Monday night the 2nd team had a week off so it was decided to have a mini speed bowls tournament for 2nd team players only. A hardy group of 8 players braved the terrible heat (some without sun block) to play some stunning bowls. Tim and Phillip were the strongest of the teams as they held up the rest at the bottom of the table. But there was nothing to choose between the other 3 teams who all won 2 games and lost 1 to tie for 1st place.Congratulations to all especially the ones who fought off dehydration and cramps to stay out for the final round of matches.
Wednesday was a very busy night in Railway. Derek and Drew played against 2 current Irish Internationals in the Boyd cup. An upset was on the cards when they led 4 – 1 after 4 ends but you don’t get to be international players for no reason and the Gate pair fought back and controlled the rest of the game. Even when the guys put them under pressure and held shots the gate were able to conjure up a winning shot. After 20 ends there was no reason to play on so Derek conceded the match before everyone got too cold.
At the same time as the Boyd cup match we also had a corporate event running. RCSI had the HR department summer night out and everyone had a great time. So much so that it looks like their Sports and Social committee will run another night in early August.The success of the night was down in no small measure to all the members who came down to help run the event. Graham Chisholm, Paddy Guiney, Bryan Fields, Tony Finnegan, Brian Holinshead and John Mellon. An amazing bit of work for just a free BBQ. Thank you all.
Also on Wednesday night in the Boyd Cup Billy and Nigel were playing away in St Games Gate. In another big battle they struggled to stay in the game and were 11 – 17 down with 4 ends to play but they fought on and dragged themselves back to 17 – 17 after 21 ends. (the first time they were level since the 2nd end) At this stage their opponents were punch drunk and they killed them off winning the extra end by 1 shot. A great result and they are now in the quarter finals of the cup.
On Thursday night Adam was in action in the Marple cup in Railway against M O’Sullivan of Blackrock. He got off to a great start and lead 14 – 5 at one stage but with 6 ends to play the gap had narrowed to 14 – 12. but Adam pulled himself together and held his nerve to win 21 – 16 in the end. Another great result for Adam and Railway.
Can you all please check out the Railway union web site. We need all members to click on to it as much as possible. On it is a calendar that tells you what is on in the club on any day. There is also a news tab where you can find updates from all sports. If you click on the bowls category all weekly updates from the bowls will be shown including some photos. The site is railwayunionsc.com
The draws for the Club championships have been made and will be put up in the club house this weekend.
