Old Bleach make a statement in season opening victory over champions Belmont

Mark Anderson prepares to deliver a bowl for Bangor against Whitehead at Ward Park

Alex Mills

Old Bleach yesterday sent out a message of intent by pocketing five points at the home of NI Private Greens League champions Belmont on the opening day of the outdoor bowls season.

They may have been missing international pair, Sam Barkley and Adam McKeown, who are both bowling in Australia, but the Randalstown boys, who have never won the League title, still got off to a flyer, racking up an 88-71 victory.