30/03/2026
๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐โ๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ฑ
The Lodge Bar played host to a gripping Barker Campbell Cup Final as CCCโs and St Matthewโs produced a contest full of momentum swings, tension, and quality throughout โ a final that went right down to the wire before St Matthewโs emerged victorious in dramatic fashion.
CCCโs made the brighter start on the night, with Francie Murdock setting the tone by taking the opener against Paul Farrelly with a composed finish. Matthew Doherty followed up with another assured performance, doubling the early advantage with a controlled display over Ethan Rogan to put CCCโs 2โ0 ahead
St Matthewโs responded in the third, as Darren Carlisle Snr steadied things with a vital frame win over James Fitzsimons to get his side on the board. That response quickly turned into momentum, with Joe Murphy levelling matters at 2โ2 after edging past Eamon McAviney in a tight encounter.
The turnaround was complete in the next frame as Jimbo Farrelly delivered under pressure, taking a crucial frame against Pat Dewar to give St Matthewโs a 3โ2 lead and firmly swing the momentum.
CCCโs, however, refused to let the match drift. Andy Forster produced a vital contribution in frame six, digging deep in a tense battle with Gerard Curran to level the match once again at 3โ3.
The seventh frame saw St Matthewโs regain control, with Peter Kavanagh capitalising on his chances to overcome Paddy McAviney and restore their lead. That advantage was quickly extended as Darren Carlisle Jnr showed great composure to defeat Sean Stewart, putting St Matthewโs within touching distance at 5โ3.
With the cup slipping away, CCCโs needed a response โ and they found it. John King delivered a massive frame under pressure, defeating Patrick Ferris to keep hopes alive, before Tambo McNeill held his nerve superbly against Paddy Murphy Jnr to level the contest at 5โ5 and send the final into a deciding frame.
The atmosphere in the Lodge Bar reached its peak as everything came down to one final frame.
John Murdock stepped up for CCCโs, but it was St Matthewโs who would have the final say. Gerard OโNeill produced a composed and clinical display under immense pressure, taking control of the decider and guiding his side to a 6โ5 victory to seal the Barker Campbell Cup.
Celebrations followed for St Matthewโs after a hard-fought triumph in a final that showcased everything the Belfast Interpool League is about โ quality, resilience, and drama from start to finish. It was a huge night for the Short Strand men and one that will spur their team on further.