Strong start key to Daly victory

Gary Daly shook up the 2014 Munster senior championship when he beat David Murphy in their Pool B tie at Whitechurch on Sunday.

Daly gained valuable odds in the opening part of the score that proved vital when Murphy closed with three exceptional bowls. His first shot to the farm gate gave him the perfect start. Murphy’s second rubbed the right, but Daly hit back with a great bowl towards the return line to keep a big lead. He made the top of the hill with his next to go a shot in front.

Murphy got to the start of the wall with his next and Daly increased his odds. Murphy then got a huge bowl onto the flat. Daly’s bowl caught the right and missed it well. He was just short of Boula lane with his next. Murphy made Boula, but Daly beat that well to hold a decent lead.