Mackle and Mallon make it a golden Ulster age

Future Ulster bowling fans will look back on this as the golden age. A decade ago not even the most optimistic supporter would have predicted Ulster winning both King and Queen of the Roads in three successive seasons.

Thomas Mackle is now one title ahead of his uncle, the great Michael Toal. He ranks beside Pat Butler and David Murphy as a three-in-a-row winner. At Ballincurrig last weekend he had a royal tussle with Martin Coppinger in the semi and had to beat the in-form Gary Daly in the final.

Kelly Mallon is an exceptional athlete. Her achievements deserve proper recognition. She now has six Queen of the Roads. She is the only person to ever win three in a row and last weekend both her wins were against international opposition.