Lisburn’s Ulster Fourball team in good shape after an away win at Temple

Lisburns victorious Ulster Fourball team. Front from left: Stephen Wilkinson, Michael Rooney, Paul Thompson and Philip Stewart. Back from left: Trevor Doak, Chris Davis, Alan Gilmore and Martin McDonald.

Earlier in the day, the qualifying rounds for the Jimmy Bruen Shield were postponed due to the torrential rain that fell on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning.

The Lisburn course was closed on Sunday but the Temple course drained very quickly and was playable on Sunday afternoon.

Lisburn got off to a great start when their top pairing of Trevor Doak and Stephen Wilkinson turned two ahead and went on to win by four and three.

Barry McQuillan, who led the qualifiers in the Craig Cup at Lisburn GC.

In the second match, Chris Davis and Paul Thompson were two behind after nine holes. Their opponents had three birdies and the Lisburn players did well to get to the 15th green. The remaining matches all finished on the final green.

Martin McDonald hit a glorious tee shot at the uphill par three 12th. He was one of the few players to hit the green and a par was sufficient to put him and Michael Rooney ahead.

They went two ahead after 16 but lost 17. They were always in command at the final hole but failed to increase their advantage.

Billy Gregge and Mark Jamieson were never behind in their match. They were on up on the 18th tee and did well to halve the hole for their victory.

The match involving Alan Gilmore and Philip Stewart was always very close. They were one ahead on the final tee.

Philip’s downhill putt from the back of the green lipped out for a two hole victory.

Lisburn’s team captain Alan Gilmore was delighted with the result but expects another close match in the home leg next week.

The McKee and Craig Cups qualifying competitions took place on Saturday. Not surprisingly, the cold and damp conditions reduced the number of entries. Barry McQuillan had the best score in leading the qualifiers in the Craig Cup.

There was a triple tie for top spot in the McKee Cup with Gary Campbell getting the verdict.

McKee Cup Qualifying: 1st Gary Campbell 33pts, 2nd Matt Lyness 33pts, 3rd Henry McMahon 33pts.

Craig Cup Qualifying: 1st Barry McQuillan 39pts, 2nd Alan Crowe 37pts, 3rd Rory Sanaghan 34pts.

Wednesday Stableford: 1st Andrew Parr 42pts, 2nd Ryan Chambers 42pts, 3rd Michael Patterson 38pts

Seniors: 1st Alan Gilpin 35 pts, 2nd Bill McCrory 30 pts, 3rd Bill O’Neill 27 pts.

9 holes: Bob Roulston 19 pts.