Final heartache again for Rockmount’s Junior Cowdy team

Rockmount Golf Club Junior Cowdy Team. Team Captain William Blyth, Robert Burns, David Stronge, Rulssell Jameison, Gents Captain Paul Banford, Fergus McCartney, Alex Thompson, Stephen Clarke, Kevin Cushnan and Jim Madden.

Clones Golf Club from County Monaghan had a healthy 3–1 lead from the first leg and they secured the overall win.

The match was played in glorious end of summer weather. Rockmount Team Captain William Blyth sent Russell Jamison and David Stronge out first. The duo regularly lead out the team and didn’t disappoint this time winning their match four and three.

Stephen Clarke and Robert Burns were second out and after nine holes they held a slender lead. After the 12th, the lead was two holes but by the time they teed of at the 17th, the match was back to all square.

Lining up a putt during Rockmount's Junior Cowdy final is Fergus McCartney with Alex Thompson looking over his shoulder.

Stephen and Robert both missed makeable putts on 17 to lose the hole going one down with one to play. At 18, Stephen and Robert could only manage a half and lost the match by one hole.

At one match each, Rockmount needed to win both the remaining matches. Jim Madden and Kevin Cushnan were out third and always seem to be in control of their match. Like Stephen and Robert they were two up through 12 but lost three of the next five holes to go one down with only the last to play.

Jim and Kevin won the 18th to halve the match but the half point put Clones into an unassailable lead and secure the victory.

Alex Thompson and Fergus McCartney didn’t get to finish their match, which after 15 holes was all square.

Robert Burns preparing to take his tee shot at the tenth hole during Rockmount's Junior Cowdy Final.

Brian Fife from the Cowdy Association was on hand to present the Junior Cowdy Cup to the victorious Clones team.

After falling at the final hurdle for the second year on the trot, maybe next year will be third time lucky for Rockmount.

Saturday Competition

The winner was Charlie Lally (14) with a great score of 41 points.

A number of competitors scored 39 points. Second place went to Gary McShane (11). In the low section (0 – 11) Bob Jellie (9) had 38 points to win that section.

The middle section (12 – 17) was won by Competition Secretary Frank Wallace (14) another who scored 39 points. And also with 39 points Stephen Clyde (19) won the high section (18 – 28).

Best gross on the day went to Ryan Wilson (6) with a three over par 75.