Larne League duo Alec and William Irvine are in dreamland after coming home as European Champions in the the European Blackball Association Under 23 'B' Section. Father Alec and son William who manage and play for the No 1 Club respectively pitted their skills on the International stage in the magnificent arena that is the Spa in Bridlington, Yorkshire. After topping the group they were drawn against England in the Semi Finals and though NI had a 9-13 reverse in the group against the same team, they upped their game to record a splendid 13-8 victory. On to the Final now where favourites Scotland awaited, and after an enthralling match with an electric atmosphere from the large watching crowd, NI led 12-8 needing only one for victory. But back came the Scots winning the next two, needing the last three frames which were all on at once on three tables. It looked like going to 12-11, but a Scots in-off whilst potting his last ball gave Barry Cunningham two shots on the black. He only needed one and the NI boys went wild with delight at having won the title. Manager Alec Irvine praised his players team spirit which played a huge part in their win. Omagh's Ben McMoran topped the whole section winning 17 from 25 frames and William was joint 2nd winning 16 from 25. A great achievement indeed.
Back row- John Wilson (Ballyclare), Alec Irvine (Manager), Daniel McAuley (Coleraine), William Irvine (Larne)
Front row - Robert Hawkins (NIPA Secretary), Ben McMoran (Omagh), Matthew Wylie (Bangor), Barry Cunningham (Omagh)
