Banbridge miss out by one shot

On paper, Cathal O’Neill had a very strong team. Seven of the players were single figure handicappers. The exception was Neil Comiskey, playing off 10.

The format was simple. The two best gross scores were added to the four best nett scores to give a team total. The four best teams would go forward to the semi-finals.

Not for the first time this season, the weather turned foul and the Banbridge men were out in the worst of it.

Jamie Thompson (7) shot a gross 82 and Josh Crory (6) had a gross 83. In the conditions, these were two very commendable scores.

Neil Comiskey (10), Chris McAvoy (7) and Rory McMullan (7) all had nett 79’s.

Paul McAleavey (6) was heading for the best nett score when he inexplicably came to grief at the last hole. It’s a long par 5 which, on a dry day, would be right up Paul’s street.

Paul finished with a nett 83 and he was bitterly disappointed. His score counted and Banbridge had a team total of 485. Kilkeel had 470, Portadown had 481, Dundalk had 484 and Lurgan had 485.

Banbridge missed out by one shot. How heartbreaking was that?

The other two players on the Banbridge team were James Wilson (7) and Luke Crory (8).It was a shame but that’s the game of golf for you.