Title race hots up

The hosts won two rinks and drew a third to pick up 5.5 points. Andy Hagan had a tough battle with Robert McBride before winning by one shot and Ken McConomy beat Archie Scott by four before Jimmy Cuthbert and K Carson shared the spoils.

J Martin beat Jimmy Hagan to pick up another point for the visitors.

Ballycastle are also challenging for the title in Division One following their double success last week over Limavady and Cookstown B.

The Seasiders picked up six points at home to Limavady following their four shot win, and added another six with a 12-shot victory over Cookstown B.

Limavady bounced back at home to Magherafelt recording a 23-shot win.

Limavady's winning skips were Wilfie Moore, who beat C Wilson by 16 and Gerry Lowry, who had an excellent 15-shot win over P Greer.

In Division Two Coleraine B just missed out on a grand slam win over Kilrea following their 23-shot win.

Mickey McColgan, Jack Logan and Jonathan Elder all won for the hosts who had to make do with a share of the spoils in the fourth rink.

There was heartbreak for Brookgreen B at Limavady as they lost the game despite winning three of the four rinks. leslie Wallace's 23-shot win over F Mitchell was enough to give the hosts the overall win despite Robert McClements, Trevor Steele and Nigel McMullan all winning for the visitors.

Portrush B still lead the way in Division Two following their 31-shot win over Fairhill. T Lithgo beat F Kells by 11, Vincent Gilmore put another 11 shots on the total with victory over Ian Hutchinson and G Scott recorded an excellent 22-shot win over Norman Hutchinson.

City of Derry are also in the hunt after their 16-shot home win over Castlerock. J Mullan, J Donnell jnr and J Donnell snr all won for the hosts with Clive Hutchinson pulling a point back for the visitors.

In Division Three it was honours even at the Lodge Road as Culrathain and Lisnagelvin could not be separated.J Ross and A Turnbull were the victors for the visitors with R Stevens and Neville Lamont coming out on top for the hosts.

Letterkenny are still the team to beat in Division Three as they picked up another grand slam victory this time at home to Ballycastle B.

The host won by a massive 50-shots in the end as they steam towards the title.

NI Provincial Bowling Association: Mullan Cup semi finals: Ballymoney 87 Portglenone 36, Coleraine 71 Cookstown 78.

Cupples Cup quarter finals: Castlerock 65 Coleraine B 53, Omagh 61 Letterkenny 62, City of Derry B 70 Lisnagelvin 75, Dunluce B 73 Limavady B 66.

Semi finals: Castlerock 72 Letterkenny 38, Lisnagelvin 78 Dunluce B 63.

Division One: Ballycastle 75 (6) Cookstown 63 (1), Ballycastle 57 (6) Limavady 53 (1), Brooke Park 63 (5.5) Ballymoney B 62 (1.5), Limavady 88 (5) Magherafelt 55 (2).

Division Two: Portrush B 99 (6) Fairhill 62 (1), Coleraine B 93 (6.5) Kilrea 70 (0.5), City of Derry B 76 (7) Castlerock 60 (0), Limavady B 70 (4) Brookgreen B 66 (3).

Division Three: Letterkenny 92 (7) Ballycastle B 42 (0), Dungiven 63 (2) Dunluce B 72 (5), Culrathain 63 (3.5) Lisnagelvin 63 (3.5).