Duo crowned centenary champs

RECEIVING five shots the paring of Agnes McLaughlin and Christy McWilliams overcame the 2005 champions Naoimh Quigg and Michael McCullough in a tense final on the first playoff hole, at City of Derry.

Two up after three holes the McLaughlin/McWilliams pairing looked comfortable but we’re brought back to all square after five.

All square after nine and again after 14 the 15th went in favour of McLaughlin and McWilliams putting them in what looked like a commanding position with three to play and in receipt of a shot on the long 17th.

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Quigg and vice-captain McCullough hit back with a solid par on 16 to square the match once again and set the stage for an exciting finish watched by a large turnout of supporters and spectators.

In the right hand bunker in three McLaughlin and McWilliams made a great up and down for boggie and a nett par to arrive on the 18th tee one up.

The approach shot by McWilliams rolled off the back of the green and a solid par from Quigg and McCullough was enough to take the match into sudden death.

In receipt of a shot on the 19th and a good drive to just off the back of the green, a good second shot close to the flag ensured a par nett birdie to earn McLaughlin and McWilliams the title.

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The Plate Competition was won by Veronica Burke and Cormac McKeone with 39 points and with Margaret McCarron and Kevin Dunn finished in second place on 38 points.

While Mickey Lynch (20) could afford the luxury of a double bogey six at his last hole and still take home the prestigious Dermott McDermott Memorial Cup on Sunday at Prehen with his 41 points.

Dermott was a past secretary, captain and president of the club and even has a hole named after him, the par five seventh. A former principal of Pennyburn Primary School he gave sterling service to the club over many years.

Second place on the day went to left hander Rob Jefferson (13) who scored 40 points with 22 of them coming on the back nine. Alfie Kane(8) finished in third place on 39 points and the gross went to Sean Quigg (2) with 36 points.

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Saturday’s competition at Prehen was an Open Stableford kindly sponsored by the O’Doherty Brothers, the well-known local builders firm and it attracted a very big entry with over 150 cards taken out.

Richard Burton (15) who rarely fails to take a card spread-eagled the field with a fantastic 44 points and his just reward was a three point winning margin for his first win at Prehen. A superb 23 points on the back nine was the icing on the cake.

David Jones (20) made a welcome return to the podium with his 41 points, the best of three similar scores, his 22 points on the back nine giving him the verdict over John Currie (23) who had 21 points on the homeward stretch.

Club president Brian Long (7) had a fine 40 points off his handicap and that gave him the best gross following another count back. Florence Walker (29) led the ladies section home with 34 points and second place was taken by Veronica Burke (23) with 33 points. Prize giving for this competition will take place on Saturday, September 15, at 5.30pm.

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Cecil Thompson (13) was best of the day in the weekly Thursday Open, his 39 points leaving him one clear of runner up Dermot Hegarty (25) who in turn relegated Richard Porter (18) into third place on a count back. Kealan Quigg (0) also had 38 points and that gave him yet another gross prize. Best of the visitors was Gary McAvoy (Foyle) (13) who had a fine 37 points with 22 of them coming on the back nine.

W and J Chambers (Concrete) Open Team Classic takes place this Sunday and is teams of four any combination Ladies and Men with visitors being especially welcome.

Entries can be made via the Pro Shop (028) 71311496 or on the website www.cityofderrygolfclub.com.

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