Toon triumph as Ports crash out

Ballymoney managed to secure their place in the showpiece final at Belmont on August 28 following their terrific 35-shot win over Lisnagarvey.

But it was a bridge too far for Portrush as they went down by 20 shots against Ballymena in Ballymoney.

But the Ballymena boys have an earlier date to focus on because they face NICS at Larne on Thursday night in the final of the PGL Senior Cup.

“We have the chance for a big finale to the season,” admitted Jim Baker, the Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games team boss.

“It’s always nice to reach the IBA Cup final – the showpiece to the season.

“Fortunately, I’ve appeared in a few and have three winners’ medals. It will be a very tough game.

“Ballymoney have been going really well this season. They have a good blend of youth and experience in their team, so they will be difficult to beat.”

Ballymena were never threatened by a Portrush side, missing influential Ireland skip Gary McCloy, who is on holidays.

They made a positive start, establishing an early 15 shots lead – and the Provincial side were forced to play catch-up for the remainder of the game.

Nigel Robinson was Ballymena’s top performer, skipping his rink to a 21-10 win over Ireland ace Ian McClure. Stephen Coleman enjoyed a 22-13 victory over Jackie Smyth, while Andy Kyle scored a 21-17 result over Kevin O’Neill.

Eddie Curran registered Portrush’s only success – a 22-17 win against Baker.

“The victory made up for last season’s disappointment when beaten by Cookstown in the semi finals,” added Baker.

“We were determined to put on a good display especially after last week’s defeat by Belmont which more or less put the lid on our PGL title chances.

“Stephen Coleman got us off to a great start as he led 16-2 at one stage. But it was a solid all round performance.

“We will require something similar against Ballymoney. We played them a few seasons ago in the semi finals – and we managed to beat them at Old Bleach.

“No doubt they will be wanting a bit of revenge.”

Alistair Steele inspired Ballymoney to a runaway 105-70 win over Lisnagarvey at Jordanstown.

It well and truly condemned the NIBA team’s season to the dustbin. In fact, in the space of five days, Garvey witnessed their title chances go down the tubes following a shock defeat by Dromore – then Ballymoney piled on the agony.

Steele enjoyed a day in the sun – skipping his rink to a 40-6 win over Philip Cromie.

Nicky McCaw beat Irish player Noel Graham 23-17, while Willie McCaw defeated Neil Mulholland 24-17.

Keith Morrison restored a little pride for Garvey with an excellent 32-16 win against Gary Kelly – Northern Ireland’s Commonwealth Games singles hope – but the result mattered little.

Meanwhile, Old Bleach will face Dunbarton in the final of the IBA Junior Cup, also at Belmont, on August 28.

Old Bleach scored a narrow five shots win over Pickie at Larne, but Dunbarton had a little more to spare, beating Cookstown 93-78 at Randalstown.

IBA Senior Cup semi finals: Ballymena 82 Portrush 62; Ballymoney 105 Lisnagarvey 70.

Junior Cup semi final: Old Bleach 77 Pickie 72; Dunbarton 93 Cookstown 78.