McDonagh's impressive return as Nagle crowned Munster league champion

RETURN: Arthur McDonagh. File pic: David Keane.

Arthur McDonagh made a welcome return to competition with a decisive win over Martin Coppinger in the Bantry tournament quarter-final, which sets him up for a clash with either James O’Donovan or the in-form Aidan Murphy.

This was a big win for McDonagh given his lack of recent activity. He showed no signs of rustiness as he set the tone for the score from the off. Coppinger’s first bowl went left and he immediately found himself pinned back by a brilliant opener from McDonagh. Coppinger’s second was better, but McDonagh countered with another rocket up the left to hold a solid lead. Coppinger’s third went left again, missing McDonagh’s second tip by 14m to leave him a full bowl behind.