The Northern Ireland Specials Mens Team (pictured right) met an NI 'B' & Seniors Select Team in a best of 39 warm up match for the European Championships. The venue was Whitehead GRSC. The Specials got off to a great start, leading 4-1, but back came the Select team to lead 8-5 after the first session. The 2nd & 3rd sessions also went the Select teams way by 9-4 & 10-3 scorelines to give an overall result of 27-12. Best for the Select team were K.English, A.Toner & T.Whiteside all on 5/5 followed by J.McIlreavey & R.Hawkins both on 3/4. J.Brown, C.Healy & T.Mulholland excelled for the Specials, the trio winning 2/3.
The Ladies 3 A Side match (both teams pictured right) was a very close fought affair. Again the Specials Team took an early advantage, racing into a 2-0 lead. But 4 in a
row, 1 for E.Richardson, 1 for D.Walker and 2 for M.McCourt on her NI debut gave the NI Ladies a 4-2 lead with only 3 to play. But the Specials weren't for lying down and wins from V.Taggart & B.McFaul ensured that the match would go to the deciding 9th frame. It was a tight frame but NI Ladies 'A' Team Captain E.Richardson got her side over the line for a 5-4 win.
