Ballacashtal Cup

Warwick & Worcester’s Ben Harris won the Balacashtal Cup at the first time of asking with a thrilling 21-20 win over compatriot Steve Freer in the final at Castletown on Sunday.

Harris, a newcomer to the Island, improved with every bowl he sent on the tricky Castletown green to secure his first win of the week showing he is a genuine contender for both the main festival and the Friday night’s star studded finale, the South Ramsey Super 16.

Harris played well throughout and booked his place in the final with a quarter final 21-12 win over Mick Burns, followed up by a strong showing in the semis to eliminate the talented Mark Bramall 21-9.

Freer ended the challenge of popular local Dave ‘Barney’ Kelly, who has been showing fine form this weekend, in the quarter finals before getting the better of Alan Belsher 21-18 in the Semi’s.

Alan Moore from South Ramsey had a good run to the quarters before his quest for glory was cut short by Mark Bramall and Belsher knocked out teammate Jack Holland at the same stage.

Castletown should be commended for putting on another fabulous competition with 100 competitors on the day.