Martin Coppinger defeats Aidan Murphy to claim Willie Whelton Cup

Coppinger will be back at Grange on St Stephen’s Day facing Munster finalist James O’Donovan

Martin Coppinger. File picture: Des Barry

Martin Coppinger bowled well to earn a comfortable win over Aidan Murphy in the Willie Whelton Cup at Grange.

Murphy won the first two shots. Coppinger then played a massive third bowl to light at the stud farm. Murphy caught the right with his reply and missed Coppinger’s tip with his fourth one around the bend. Coppinger held the bowl of odds to Holland’s wall. It was still an even bowl after another two to de Barra’s. Murphy then got a decent bowl down the school hill. Coppinger was tight left with his reply, but it took an exquisite rub that directed it down past the school cross and onto Hegarty’s. Murphy made the cross with his next, but he was now two bowls and 40m behind.