Ladies Semi-Final Line-ups
South Tyrone, Armagh, Oriel and Mid Tyrone have reached the semi-final stage of the ladies inter zone competition. Current champions Armagh are the clear favourites while Oriel although winning the title in 2007 is as unpredictable as a team can be. The two Tyrone teams are the most improved ladies teams over the last two years and are on an upward curve so form over recent years is not a clear indication.
Having two improving teams in the semi-finals adds to the normal intrigue of semi-finals as it increases the possibility of an upset. Neither of the Tyrone opposition know if the Tyrone ladies have reached their full potential or if there is more improvement to come, both Armagh and Oriel will have to be on their guard and well prepared for any eventuality.
South Tyrone have been consistent in the shield competition over the past ten years winning it four times but they have yet to produce the same form in the main competition. They have promised much but not delivered as a result of a small squad and unavailability of important members.
There team this season has been combining well and is possibly the strongest they have been able to select for a number of seasons. K Daly has returned after a season sabbatical and is back refreshed, playing at the top of her form. I Eldon returned early to play in the quarter final as M McGrath was unavailable. She is will be an important cog for South Tyrone with her wealth of experience. The South Tyrone selectors had difficult decisions to make after much agonising have made two changes that won the quarter final over Donegal, M McGrath returns with B Jones coming into the front end. The backend partnership of C Burnside and A McKiver looks particularly potent.
Keith Wright is stepping down from the Zone Convener post due to additional commitments. The ladies undoubtedly would like to send him out on a high, an added incentive that could have a positive effect on the team.
South Tyrone team:
M Bell, B Jones, M Fox, K Daly
M Quinn, C Quinn, M Campbell, I Eldon
M Hughes, B Lawn, G McMenemy, J Oscar
V McIvor, B Shales, C Burnside, A McKiver
J Loudon, J Boyd, A Herron, M McGrath
M Campbell, E Dorman, B Jennings, C Campbell
Armagh arguable are the strongest unit in ladies bowls. Individuals may have an off day but it is rare for a full rink to be off colour. The front ends dovetail well together and seldom leave their thirds under constant pressure. Their success is build upon the very solid first half rinks who only occasionally are behind at the interval. South Tyrone will have to match Armagh’s strong opening three if they are to be in contention at the end.
D Garvey could play a pivotal role at third to M Cassells while S Whittle has the capability to control the head from second.
Armagh team:
B McGleenon, L Strain, S White, P Beattie
L Milligan, S Whittle, H Agnew, R Cassells
An Crozier, E Lavery, A Patton, E Smith
E Hunter, S Garvey, E McDonald, C McMillen
Ag Crozier, J Garvey, J Hawthorne, F McNally
M Wright, M Hopson, D Agnew, M Cassells
When Oriel are on song there are few sides who can match them however from they won the title in 2007 they have failed to find consistency resulting in surprise defeats. They are back on course and will be hoping home advantage pays dividends. A large following will cheer on the Oriel ladies which can lift them in a close game. Oriel are strong front runners but expectation of the home crowd can weigh heavily on their shoulders if they find themselves chasing the game.
Oriel ladies love the game and while competitive go out to enjoy the game. A relaxed and fun environment brings out the best in them.
Four to watch are Michelle Martin, Carol McMahon, Imelda Hanratty and Marion Martin.
Oriel team:
M Conlon, R McGee, L Meegan, J Hanratty
M Gartlan, M McEntee, Marion Martin, Michelle Martin
B Cunningham, G Boyle, V Mohan, M Carroll
B Duffy, B McAleer, M Haire, R Brennan
C McArdle, B Keenan, S Larkin, J Roullier
C McSherry, T Martin, P Hanlon, C McMahon
Mid Tyrone have shown significant improvement over the last two seasons. Confidence in their own ability has increased resulting in improved performance levels at crucial junctures of the game. They can now take advantage on a more regular basis of opportunities that arise. Mid Tyrone are an unknown quantity and that can often have an unsettling affect on the opposition. | 
