The South Leinster Open was held last weekend in NewcastleCC, played, as usual as an Advanced Singles Event. This year the entry was down, so only the Johnstons' lawn was in use. This has been brought to a terrific standard after much hard work and the speed of play was excellent. In addition, Newcastle hospitality was well up to its usual high standards.
Simon, Andrew, Nathaniel and Frank Martin played a Block, with Simon beating Nathaniel +7 and Andrew winning against Frank. Nathaniel had ambitions against Andrew but the latter's quadruple peel finish brooked no argument. Simon won against Frank also, setting up the game between him and Andrew as the final.
This looked to be a simple matter, as Simon was quickly looking for a tp finish. However, he missed the Rover peel and Andrew brought a ball around and then proceded with his second. After a breakdown Simon pegged out Andrew's forward ball and then again failed Rover; Andrew hit in and brought his backward ball to Rover, where he stuck in the hoop from 12 inches at a gentle angle!.  Simon did then finish and so claimed the Williams/O'Toole Trophy for the second time.