Donncha O’Brien and Mick Hurley impressive in making final

Donncha O’Brien and Mick Hurley will contest the Marshall Clarke Cup final at Derrinasafa following impressive semi-final wins.

O’Brien won a titanic battle with Jerry Gibbons He won the opening shot, but lost the lead when his second unluckily hit a pillar. He was back in front after a massive third shot, which Gibbons beat by just 15m with his fourth. Gibbons rallied with a great fifth past Ross’. O’Brien’s played his bowl too far left and missed sight. He beat Gibbons’ tip by 60m with his next. After two more around the bend they were on the same tip.

Gibbons got a brilliant bowl past Cotter’s Cross to the high hedge. O’Brien beat that by just 10m in two. Gibbons was still close to a bowl in front after two more to sight at the Darkwood turn. He followed with a great bowl to Dwyer’s, which O’Brien beat by 50m to hold the lead under a bowl. He was too tight left with his next and O’Brien replied with a great bowl, which put him back in front.