It’s avantage to Lisburn in the Sam Rutherford Cup quarter final

Shane McCrory (right), captain of the Banbridge Sam Rutherford Cup team, gives a pep talk to four members of his team, Barry Casey, Roy Sipson, Neil Clydesdale and Peter Hillen.

Banbridge had the home advantage and their team captain, Shane McCrory, was hoping to take a lead of double figures into the second leg.

That hope went up in smoke when the leading pair of Neil Clydesdale and Barry Casey were beaten by 6 holes. What a shock that was to the home supporters.

Peter Hillen and Mark McCoy performed heroically and they won by 6 holes up. That was exactly what Shane wanted, but not just from one pairing.

Garreth Moody and Gareth Matthews were up against a very strong Lisburn pairing and they could only get a half match.

Finally, Roy Sipson and Matthew Mallon did what was asked of them. They won by 5 holes up.

So, at the end of the home leg, Banbridge are a mere 5 holes up. They are not beaten yet but the advantage is certainly with Lisburn.

The outcome will be revealed at Lisburn next Sunday.

Competition results: Paul Magennis played the nine holes course for the Sunday Sweep on July 6 in 3 under par gross. He was richly rewarded for his fine play. Paul not only won first prize but he also split a very significant 2’s pot 50/50 with John Doran.