Congratulations to Paul Keane and his squad who have made it to the final of this year’s competition after a convincing win over Woodbrook today in their final round robin match.
Paul had made a number of changes since the last round, bringing in yet more players with an eye on the upcoming Barton Cup campaign.
This afternoon he opted for a new pairing, Eugene Strong & Trevor Phillips to lead the way at home, with Ben Crowley & Niall Stokes together for a second time, out second, after an excellent performance against Powerscourt. The third home pairing was another 2023 campaign rookie pair of Antti Happonen & Ray Crotty.
Away from home, Paul opted for Barry Massey & Walter Gilbert once again, Barry & Walter had an excellent win in Foxrock earlier in the campaign. David Byrne & Anthony Byrne, who won away to Powerscourt last month, played second this afternoon with another new pairing of Ray Nolan & Michael Joyce out last.
A draw this afternoon would have all but ensured a place in the final.
As it turned out, the team earned 2.5 points from 3 at each venue.
Eugene Strong & Trevor Phillips halved their matches in Greystones and Ray Nolan & Michael Joyce did likewise away from home. Emphatic wins at home for Ben Crowley & Niall Stokes (4&2) and for Ray Crotty & Antti Happonen (5&3), set the scene, while in Woodbrook, wins for Barry Massey & Walter Gilbert and for David Byrne & Anthony Byrne (both on 17) dashed the hopes of the Woodbrook team.
So, onwards and upwards to the final which is to take place at a neutral venue on April 15th.
