The Donegal Zone Bowls ladies team will be another step closer to retaining the McIlroy Cup, if they can beat West Down in Saturday’s semi-final.

The Donegal ladies won the tournament last year and are looking to make it back-to-back triumphs.They will travel to Loughbrickland, Co.Down on Saturday to represent their county in the hope of reaching the final.

Donegal will be using the memories of last years’ experience to overcome any nerves this weekend. Last season, they took home the McIlroy Cup when they defeated an experienced Armagh team by 15 shots.

This year, the Donegal ladies have made a successful start to their season having won their first two games. In their first game, they defeated Monaghan in a hard fought encounter which seen Donegal lead by 25 to 16 points at the end of the first half.

In a dramatic second period, Monaghan Ladies put it up to to their opponents and began to narrow the lead but a determined Donegal team held on to the end to win the game.

In the second game of the season, Donegal hosted Oriel ladies from Dundalk in the Cathedral Hall, Raphoe. The Donegal ladies played out an impressive 59 to 44 points win over the Louth representatives. That win ensured this weekend’s semi final spot for the Donegal women’s team.

The Donegal ladies are currently preparing for the semi-final and eagerly anticipating a hard game of bowls.

“We are preparing for a tight game. West Down have a few good up and coming players in their team and this could make for a difficult game,” said team member, Lisa O’Kane.

“In order to win, a good team performance and a positive attitude believing that we can win will be essential for the game.”

O’Kane has been named among those selected to take part in Saturday’s game. Lisa also plays for her local club, St.Eunan’s and is joined on the Donegal team by teammate Paula Friel. Lisa has been playing for Donegal for six years and if the team is successful this year, she will win her third McIlroy cup.

Donegal’s Zone Convenor, Fred Aicken will be hoping this season’s unbeaten run will continue as the ladies take to their mats this weekend. Joined by Rachael McDonnell and Isobel Duncan, Aicken will be watching his team closely to ensure they are on top of their game this weekend.

Best of luck to all those involved in this weekend’s semi-final against West Down.

Donegal Zone Bowl Ladies Team: R Crawford, R McCausland, V McHugh, R McDonnell, J Buchanan, L Finlay, M Beattie, I Duncan, V Patterson, P Lyttle, K Duggan, P Bustard, E Doherty, M Brogan, K Lynch, D Hegarty, M Gourley, S Bell, P Friel, L O’Kane, R Graham, M McClintock, M Montgomery, A Gilfillan. Subs: Ann Hume, D Magee, G Robinson.