Clinical Roche is too hot for the youthful Butler

John Roche, Castlebridge produced his best form just when he needed it most to see off the challenge of hot favourite Anthony Butler, Ballyhogue in the county junior B singles final played at Castlebridge. The earlier league clash between the pair had gone the way of the youthful Butler but when it mattered in the final it was Roche who proved best by 21-19, 21-7.

It was somewhat of a collapse by the Ballyhogue player in the second game but Roche is very experienced and pushed for home after snatching the first game. He thus retained the tile he had won in 2015 and his return to top form is timely given that he has also qualified for the Leinster Masters B Singles final in the coming weeks.