IRELAND'S Jeremy Henry and Sammy Allen reached the semi finals of the World Bowls pairs in Adelaide, Australia, yesterday, but only after an incredible, nerve jangling finish.
After slipping past their main rivals, New Zealand's Rowan Brassey and Gary Lawson 20-19 in the penultimate group match the Irish duo crashed at the final hurdle losing 24-20 to outsiders Kenya.
Henry and Allen were on their way out of the championship when they trailed the Kenyans 24-13 with three ends to play, but they finished with a treble and two doubles to grab a life line. One shot less and they would have been out.
That result left Ireland and New Zealand level on both points and shots difference - but Henry and Allen were declared the group winners on the strength of their previous one shot win over the Kiwis.
Henry and Allen now play Will Thomas and Robert Weale, of Wales, in the semi-finals today.
Defending champions Richard Corsie and Alex Marshall of Scotland, meet Australia's Cameron Curtis and Rex Johnston in the other semi final.
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