Foursomes win helps Banbridge reach Carlingford Cup final 2014

Banbridge, captained by Cathal O’Neill, had won the away leg by 18.5 points to 13.5. This was a turn-up for the books.

Over their home course, Banbridge were expected to win comfortably. That’s not how it turned out, at least in the early stages of the match.

The four singles went out first, each worth four points.

Conor Mulholland lost 4 and 3 and he got no points.

Mark McCoy sank a 15 footer on the 18th green for a birdie and a half match, worth 2 points.

Jamie Thompson struggled a little with a hockey injury and did well to get one point.

Josh Crory lost 2 and 1 and he too got one point.

After the singles, Kilkeel were in the lead, 25.5 to 22.5.

But, in the Carlingford Cup, the key matches are the two foursomes. They are both worth 8 points and Cathal opted for three very experienced players plus 13 year old Luke Crory. It was an inspired decision.

Neil Madeley and Peter Hillen won 5 and 3 and they got the maximum 8 points.

Paul McAleavey and young Luke Crory won 2up and they also got all 8 points.

The foursomes pairings had saved the day.

Banbridge won the second leg 20-12 and the match overall, 38.5 - 25.5.

The Carlingford Cup final will be between Banbridge and Dundalk. That will be a thriller, no doubt about it.

Competition results

Sunday 24th August:

Colin Smylie wins the Sunday Sweep for the fourth time this year. The surprise is that his last victory was away back in mid-April. He is now only two behind John Poots in the race for the title of Sunday Champion.

1st- Colin Smylie (17) Nett 32.5.

2nd- Eugene Weir (6) Nett 33.

3rd- John Doran (13) nett 33.

Monday 25th August:

Colin McKinney won the Bank Holiday Medal by 5 points with a very impressive 42 points in difficult conditions. This was Colin’s sixth win this season.

Andrew Quinn had a rewarding day out. Not only did he win the best gross prize but he also scooped the entire 2’s pot with the only deuce of the day.

1st- Colin McKinney (18) 42 points.

2nd- David Mawhinney (18) 37 points.

Best Gross: Andrew Quinn (5) 73.

Thursday 28th August:

Young Matthew Savage shot a brilliant 45 points to win the Open Stableford. This equates to a nett 60, a score to be proud of.

Colin Wilton won his fifth best gross prize of the year. That puts him level with William Malcolmson as far as gross prizes are concerned.

1st- Matthew Savage (19) 45 points.

2nd- Vincent Smyth (19) visitor 42 points.

3rd- Chris Lennon (21) 40 points.

Best Gross: Colin Wilton (1) 72.