Can Matthew get the better of Norman in the Haughton Smyth Cup final at Banbridge GC?

In the first semi-final, Matthew Mallon beat the pre-tournament favourite, Kerry McCluskey, by 4 and 3.

“I played very well,” said Kerry, “but Matthew simply played better.” Kenny Stevenson (2) had to give Norman Robb (25) no less than 23 shots in the other semi-final.

It seemed an almost impossible task but Kenny came within a whisker of pulling it off. He only lost the match at the first tie-hole. What an experience it must have been for Norman, playing against one of the all-time greats of the local game.

Norman’s handicap has come down a bit since then. But Matthew will still have to give him a lot of shots. The final should be interesting, that’s for sure.