Hilden aiming for Irish semi-final spot

Taking part in the match between Lisnagarvey B and St Stephen's, at Warren Gardens. US1529-513cd Picture: Cliff Donaldson

Hilden will be aiming to reach the semi-final of the Irish Bowling Association Intermediate Cup when they entertain Sydenham tomorrow (Saturday) at 2pm.

The Intermediate Cup has only been introduced by the IBA this year and the remaining quarter finalists will all be keen to be the first to inscribe their name on the trophy.

There is no real guide to form between Hilden and Sydenham, other than Hilden play in Private Greens Division 2 and Sydenham compete in NIBA Division 2.

It is a big day for Hilden, who have never appeared at this stage of any Irish Cup competition and their performance in the match will probably decide the result.

All the locals will be rooting for the Llwellyn Avenue men and hopefully they produce the right result.

Meanwhile, Lisnagarvey played in the NIBA Senior Cup final last night (Thursday) against Whitehead. There will be a full report in next week’s bowls column.

Hilden slip up in Cup preparations

Forth River 77 (5) Hilden 73 (2)

Hilden may have been looking for a boost before tomorrow’s (Saturday) IBA Intermediate Cup tie, but they failed to get it when losing by four shots away to Forth River in Private Greens Division 2.

They managed to collect two away points thanks to a four shots win for Keith Morrison and Colin Montgomery’s 12 shots success.

Jonathan McMullan lost by 15 shots and Raymyond Gourley by five shots.

J. McMullan 11-26, R. Gourley 17-22, K. Morrison 21-17, C. Montgomery 24-12.

Hilden B lose but get 2.5 points

Hilden B 73 (2.5)

Shaftesbury B 79 (4.5)

Despite losing by six shots Hilden B still took six points at home to Shaftesbury B in Private Greens Division 5.

Two threes gave Drew Harron a 10-8 lead at the tenth but despite lifting a three Hilden were 14-17 down at 15 ends and lost by 19 shots.

Despite lifting a three Robin Campbell was 7-10 down at the tenth and 10-14 at 15 ends but finished with two, five to claim a share of the spoils.

A three helped Max McClean to a 9-6 lead at the tenth and 17-6 at 15 ends before two threes gave him a nine shots win.

Two threes helped Hugh Murray to a 10-7 lead at the tenth and a four made it 16-11 at 15 ends before Hilden won by four shots.