McDaid triumphs at Prehen

Gary's 43 points was capped by a fabulous 24 points over the back nine and included birdies at the 6th and 14th. As it happened Gary needed that storming back nine because John Rosborough (13) amassed the same score but Gary's stronger finish edged him into second place despite birdies at the ninth and eighteenth!

Hard working clun President Alan Montgomery (20) proved that not all cricketers head for the clubhouse when it rains as he amassed a 42 point total to lift third spot. Alan will regret a wee slip at the 'Red Barn' which cost him th momenteum that might have clinched victory for him.

The best Visitor was D Spence with 37 points and nines were taken by Past Captain Andy Meenagh (13) with 23 points on the front nine and John Gallagher (16) with 21 points on the back nine.

Members are reminded that the Thursday Opens continue until the end of August, Saturday is the Pearson Turkey Open and there is a 13 hole competition on Friday at 6pm after Mrs Ann McGoldrick's Lady Captain's Day.

Members and visitors are also advised that the Annual Mixed Foursomes, due to commence on Sunday, has been postponed until a later date.

While the fire and brimstone of youth may be a little cooled by age for those playing for Prehen's Senior Cup but the fire and desire to win is still pretty much alive. A rocket propelled start gave Eamon Maxwell (18) the perfect start to this competition and he closed the front nine with a fantastic 23 point total.

Eamon's metal was tested over the back nine when he blanked the short twelfth but he clung on for 20 point over the closing holes and a 43 point tally that was good enough for victory.

A less than historic front nine saw Ken McClintiock (19) on the back foot as he turned with just 18 points to his name but a storming finish, including a two at the notoriously difficult 15th hole saw him come back home with 22 points for a 40 point total and second place.

Gerry Gormley (18) will regret the ugly double bogey on the last hole that ensured his credible 39 point was relegated to third spot. Ifting the gross prize on the day with 32 points was City of Derry's stsunchiest supporter Terry Coyle who also gets rewarded with a handicap reduction to five.

Stuart McClelland (10) has been knocking on the door of the winner's enclosure at Prehen now for a few weeks with some notable performances but he finally knocked the door down on Thursday by shooting a fine 42 points to claim first prize.

Following him home was Stephen Monaghan (16) whose handicap has been in freefall for the last few competitions without any reward but on this occasion his 41 points was good enough to claim second place and a further handicap reduction.

Bets are currently being placed as to just how far Stephen's handicap can fall this season! Ralph Hamilton (16) grabbed third spot with a credible 40 point tally, Lester Moore (2) took the Gross Prize with 37 points and Foyle's T Duddy (10) walked away as the best visitor on the day.

Members and visitors are reminded that Thursday Open tee times can be booked online or through the proshop on 71311496.

Meanwhile Conor Moran (19) from the host club took the main prize in the Austin's of the Diamond sponsored Juvenile Open at Prehen on Friday last. A very creditable 42 points was enough to give him victory by one point from Shane Bonner (9) from Foyle and Simon McSparron (18) playing out of Newtonstewart, the Foyle member taking second spot on a count back.

Another Prehen member James Lindsay (5) had the best gross of 33 points. The front nine went to Kevin Gallagher (19) from Strabane on 21 points and Andrew Crothers (13) City of Derry took the back nine with a fine 23 points.

Roe Park member Michael Logue had the longest drive at the 18th and another Prehen man John Bradley was nearest the Pin at the Quarry. Club captain Brian Abel congratulated all the winners for their efforts and the prizes were presented by Mr Declan Hasson of the sponsors.