Lambeg cruise through Pierce Purcell qualifiers

During their round at Lambeg are John Greeran, Paul Murray ( PGA Tankard winner), Kirk Thornhill (Club Competition winner) and Aidan Daly.

They finished just three shots behind the winners Balmoral (334) on 337. Andrew Burrell and Chris Brown were first home with 84 points followed by Ernie McAleenan and Kirk Thornhill on 83. Michael Pollins and Paul Flanagan finished on 85 as did the next pairing of Tony Hamilton and Colin Higgins. Mervyn White and Robert McCullough completed a 94 and with the four best scores counting Lambeg finished comfortably in second ahead of third place Malone who they play in the next round at Ormeau.

The Ulster Cup team didn’t fair as well and have a very hard return match at Castlehume on Saturday after being beaten 4.5 - 2.5 on their home patch. Andrew Burrell and Ian Jefferson were the two winners with Tommy Coulter picking up the half.

The Ulster Fourball team have an even bigger challenge, going down 5-0 at Dungannon. They will need to reverse the score at home and by more than 12 holes to get through to the next round. The return match is at Aberdelghy on Sunday.

Lambeg Golf Club Captain for 2015, Stephen Boyd.

CLUB COMPETITIONS

The winner of the stroke play competition on Saturday was none other than the Club Captain Stephen Boyd (21) with a brilliant 63 net score. Not hitting any more than a six on his card, Stephen played steady golf but nearly blew it with a double bogey on the last.

Runner-up spot went to Derek Porter (18) finishing two shots behind on 65. Derek had a great front nine with 39 pts but double bogies at 14 and 15 cost him the win.

Tony Hamilton (14) took third place on count-back when he and Jackie Ross (18) both finished on 66. Tony hit birdie, par, par on the last three holes to secure third as Jackie lost out with double on the last. Craig Tiffen won Best Gross with 76.

The Thornhill brothers fought it out for the Club Competition on Saturday but it was younger brother Kirk playing off 15 who came out on top with 43. Stephen (11) finished two shots behind on 41, taking second place from George Orr on count-back. Best gross was won by Ivor Harron with a 71.

The PGA Tankard was won by Paul Murray with a fantastic 47pts.

The Wednesday Hat was won by Derek Porter with 41.