O’Donovan lays down marker with superb display

James O’Donovan is the first name on the Willie Whelton Cup after a sensational performance saw him beat All-Ireland champion Thomas Mackle by three bowls of odds at Grange.

This is an especially important win for O’Donovan as the cup commemorates one of his most ardent supporters. It also extends his impressive form of 2016 into the new season. Such an emphatic win over the All-Ireland champion also puts down a very serious marker for both the Joe McVeigh Cup and senior championship.

He set the pace from the off with three great bowls to sight at the stud farm. He got a great opening shot that Mackle missed by 30m. Mackle rallied with a great second shot, but O’Donovan upped the ante by beating it by 50m. Mackle left himself open when he missed sight at the stud farm. O’Donovan scorched past that to push his lead to almost a bowl.