Belvoir Park close out a win on the 21st in the closest of contests

Banbridge fielded a very young side in the Donaghadee Youths Tournament at Under 21 level last week and made it through qualifying before being beaten in the first match-play round by the closest of margins.

By The Newsroom

Published 13th Aug 2014, 13:08 BST

Qualifying was on Wednesday and Josh Crory had 78, Jamie Thompson 82, Patrick Magennis 87, Johhny Brush 90 and Luke Crory 99.

Unbelievably, Banbridge qualified comfortably and played a strong Belvior Park team in the first round of matchplay on Thursday.

It was nip and tuck the whole way as Josh Crory led the way with a three and two victory in the top match but Johnny Brush lost two and one in the second. Patrick Magennis won two holes up but Luke Crory lost in the fourth match to leave the game balanced at two each.

That meant all eyes turned to the deciding fifth match featuring Banbridge’s Jamie Thompson. Either he or his opponent would grab the vital point and it went the whole way, level after 18 and into tie-holes. The 19th and 20th couldn’t separate them but Jamie was unfortunate to lose at the 21st.

Banbridge would go home disappointed but having gain more valuable experience at this level.

Banbridge