It's a big well done to North Down and Ards who have won the 2010 NIPA Interleague Competition held in Ballymena United Social Club. It is the 2nd time in 3 years that they have been crowned Champions. From a total of 16 teams they had reached the Semi Finals but were put severely to the test by a very good Town & Country side. It was neck and neck at 10-9 in the race to 12, but the County Down lads took the last 2 frames to edge into the final where last years winners Sixmilewater patiently awaited.
North Down & Ards came storming out off the blocks in the final and never let go of the lead. Sixmilewater battled hard to try and save the match but it wasn't to be. The experienced Hugh Regan sunk the final black of the day and ND&A ran out comfortable 12-7 winners before heading back down the coast with the Interleague Shield. Pictured right is ND&A Captain Darren Sterrett receiving the Shield from NIPA Secretary Robert Hawkins along with a cheque for £500
Best performer of the day was ND&A's Sam Newell who won 8/8
In the Final of the Plate Competition Carrick & District beat Ballymena 'B' 6-1.
There were 2 ballot prizes. A one and a half litre bottle of vodka kindly donated by May Boyd of the BUSC was won by Sam Dougan, and a Chinese themed food hamper which was won by Clare Webster.
A tribute was paid to NIPA Chairman Willie Lucas who recently passed away and a collection for Northern Ireland Chest Heart Stoke raised £155.78
Picture right is the Northern Ireland Ladies team, who took part in the Competition.
The NIPA would like to thank the management and staff of the Ballymena United Social Club, Tournament Director Trevor Harte and assistant Pauline Lynch, without whom the event would not have been possible.