A massive congratulations to Larne League Pool Team Thatch Bar. They were crowned 2013 N.I.P.A Champions of Champions after winning the Competition in the Primacy Sports Bar, Bangor on Sunday 16th June. Eligible teams from N.I.P.A affiliated Leagues battled it out for the title in what was a very strong field. In the final Thatch, captained by Bryan McWhirter, overcame Ballymena Champions Connolly's 13-10 with stalwart Alan Johnston winning all his 5 games including the all important 23rd frame. But it was a gallant effort from Alan Davidson's Ballymena team. They had beaten a strong Shooters Sharks Double winning team from the North Down & Ards League and an equally as strong Rockers team, Champions of Carrick & District League, to reach the final. It looked like an all Ballymena final as in the other Semi Final Thatch trailed Michelin Masters right up until the 25th and deciding frame but Bill McIlroy Sr took out a precision finish much to the delight off his team mates.
Last 8
Connolly's 13-8 Shooters Sharks
Rockers 13-6 McBee's
Michelin Masters 13-11 Hit Men & Her
Thatch - Bye
Semi Finals
Connolly's 13-6 Rockers
Thatch 13-12 Michelin Masters
Final
Thatch 13-10 Connolly's
Best point scorers on the day were
8/10 - Alan Rainey (Michelin Masters)
10/13 - Pat McInally (Connolly's)
A big thanks to all the teams for a fantastic days pool played in great spirits and we look forward to the 2014 event.
Top photo
Champions, The Thatch
Centre photo
Runners Up, Connolly's
Bottom photo
Team Captains Alan Davidson (left) and Bryan McWhirter, wish each other well before the start of the final.
