Ward in the honours

Irene McCusker came home as Easter Cup runner-up over the countback as Ward’s eagle and brace of birdies proved decisive.

Zoe Allen’s 81 sealed the gross prize to mark her first appearance of the year in style.

Five shots dropped over the final four holes served to take the shine off her score but it still resulted in a welcome return.

In section A, Katrina Bradford – the match-and-handicap secretary – enjoyed the benefits of added practice to register nett 73 and edge out Christine Hagan.

Both ladies will be aiming to carry that form into the forthcoming intermediate and junior foursomes.

McCusker topped her section by five clear shots despite an eight at the fourth – with a birdie on the fifth her high point.

Pat Carville, a recent addition to the ladies’ committee, scored nett 70 to take home the section three prize.

A triple bogey was the only blip on her impressive back nine.

Club officials would like to wish ladies involved in first-round team games every success.

THE Junior Cup players opened the campaign with a 3.5 to 1.5 defeat of Royal County Down on Friday.

Fiona McGrady won the first match 4/3 ahead of Annabel Wilson’s 6/4 success on her team debut.

Bronagh McKavanagh suffered defeat but Cara Murphy battled to secure a welcome half.

Sian Mulholland edged home on the last hole.