Cloverhill Golf Club - Sam Rutherford Winners

Cloverhill claimed their first ever inter-club team pennant when the captured the Sam Rutherford with a thrilling victory over Lisburn in the final at Cloverhill. In this the tenth year of the club Sunday turned out to be its greatest day in terms of golf.

Playing conditions for the 1pm second leg of the final were perfect with the course in splendid order despite the heavy rain on Saturday. There was a large crowd in attendance supporting both clubs and they were not disappointed after being treated to some terrific golf It was all to play for in the second leg at Cloverhill after the teams finished on level terms in this foursomes consisting of 4 pairs whose combined handicaps cannot be lower than 17 and the team that wins the most holes collectively emerge as winners.

To reach their first ever final Cloverhill had recorded wins over Mannan Castle, County Armagh, Ringdufferin and Tandragee. The good record of not having lost away from home was preserved with a draw at Lisburn to set up this tense finale on home ground.

The top opening match was given the right billing as it lived up to expectation. Benny Tierney and Colin Pilkington got off to a winning start with a birdie at the first hole and a lead that was never relinquished against David Walsh and Brian Houston. The visitors rattled in four birdies of their own but the best they could do the whole match was to get on level terms never managing to get their noses in front. Cloverhill birdies 16 to go one up, Lisburn followed suit on 17 to level before Benny and Colin finished as they began in style winning the last hole to put us one up. David Bolas and Chris Cook were in control of their match against Sean Campbell and David Pilkington from the outset to be 2 up after 15. Back to back birdies hauled Sean and David back to parity before a par at the last was good enough to give them a win to complete a stirring comeback and put Cloverhill two holes in front. The home pair of Paul Owens and Michael McEntegart  were rattled when Les Murdock and Brian Rainey won 14 & 15 to draw back level but regained their composure with a good half at the next to settle the ship. An excellent birdie at hole 17 gave Michael and Paul the lead. The anchor match was the only repeat match of the first leg as hitherto undefeated Neil Patton and Richard Carr tried to make it a double over Jim McKay and Frank Quinn.. Holes were traded early on but Frank and Jim were two in front at the turn. The steady experienced pair never loosened their grip on the match and went further ahead with wins at 15&16 when the last two matches were called in as Lisburn could not win.

During the entire competition team captain Joe Pilkington used a total of 12 players with Mickey Concannon, Colin McParland, the team captain himself and the youngest player on the team Miceal McGuinness all playing significant roles in landing this first Ulster pennant for the club.          

Both teams deserve great credit for providing a top class match sentiments that were echoed by Cowdy Association representative Dave Allen who was on hand to present the cup after a superb meal provided by McEntee caterers, Crossmaglen. The Sam Rutherford Cup was well washed out as the celebrations went on late on Sunday night. The first rung on the long ladder of achievement has been reached which will be a stepping stone to future success now that the club has made it’s mark with this historic first win.

Golf Classic

The torrential Saturday afternoon rain led to the abandonment of the Peadar O Doirnin Golf Classic. There was no enjoyment for anyone on the course who turned out in numbers to support this inaugural classic and in order to preserve the course for the Ulster final the next day everyone was happy with the decision.

The organising committee are delighted that Cloverhill have made available time slots next Saturday or Saturday week for any team who want to go again at trying to annex the top prize of 4 memberships to Felda Fitness Suite Dundalk or any of the 6 more fabulous prizes on offer. Teams must book their tee-times through Seamus McGivern Tel- 889 457 or 07971827591
Cloverhill caterers would like to express their thanks to Marie McDonnell and her crew of ladies who gave tremendous assistance in making the day such a success with their Trojan work.

Next weekend will see the last of the Monthly Medal competitions before the grand final for the Gold medal. Members may play either Saturday or Sunday.