Dunbarton are kings of the Castle

Dunbarton A 118

REIGNING Irish Senior Cup holders Dunbarton cruised into the third round of the Irish Cup with a massive 85 shot win away to NIBA Division Two side Castle in Bangor on Saturday.

On paper this game did look to be a bit of mismatch and sure enough this was exactly what happened. From start to finish the locals dominated and ended up with a completely one sided scoreline.

Any thoughts of a shock in this game were quickly dispelled over the opening few ends as Dunbarton quickly adjusted to the Castle green and soon led on all four rinks. Clifford Dennison’s four were leading the charge ahead at 11-0 after five ends with DJ Wilson just behind at 9-0. Conor McCartan opened up an early 8-2 advantage and Myles Greenfield was 7-4 in front.

At the midpoint, the difference between the two sides was clearly evident by the four rink scores as Castle had scored a 1, 2, 3 and 4 on their four rinks while Dunbarton had scored 11, 12, 13, 14. The advantage was now 36 shots and rising.

Under no pressure, the Gilford men rolled their bowls beside the jack for fun and the hosts simply couldn’t cope.

While some of the Dunbarton rinks eased off over the final few ends, this certainly couldn’t be said of DJ Wilson and his front three of David Copeland, Ian Perry and Tony Bell who continued to dominate.

Indeed with DJ’s final bowl of the game the final nail was put in the coffin as he drove a Castle bowl off the green for a count of six and an incredible 44-3 success, just losing two ends out of 21.

Myles’ four were also having a day out and they cantered to a facile 19 shot win at the close. Conor’s four weren’t too far behind either as they notched up a fine 15 shot victory and Clifford’s four wrapped up the fourth and final double figure win with a 10 shot advantage. As comprehensive a win as you will ever see.

The reward for the locals in the next round is a home tie against NIBA Division One Dundonald. Whilst the Belfast side are undoubtedly a much better side than Castle, the locals will be delighted to have a home draw and should progress to round four.

Rink 1: D Copeland, A Leckey, T Bell, DJ Wilson - up 44-3

Rink 2: D Pedan, P Adamson, A Hughes, C Dennison - up 22-12

Rink 3: D McElroy, J Magennis, G McElroy, C McCartan - up 25-10

Rink 4: M Higgins, E Campbell, T Mulholland, M Greenfield - up 27-8.