Road bowling: Martin Coppinger betters King of the Roads David Murphy in Noel Phair Cup

Martin Coppinger. File photo: Des Barry

Martin Coppinger won the Noel Phair Cup at Shannonvale on Sunday, confirming the democratic nature of senior men’s bowling at the moment by beating recently crowned King of the Roads David Murphy.

Murphy showed well in the opening exchanges, he led by 60m after three past the bungalows. Coppinger missed the quarry with his next. Murphy’s reply was well played, but went right just 40m fore. They reached Buttimer’s pillars in two more, where Murphy led by the width of the gateway. They both missed Desmond’s lane in another one. After they lofted there Murphy had a 30m lead.