Simpson holds his nerve to claim victory at Roe Park

Captain’s day at Roe Park saw a huge turnout play in fantastic course and weather conditions.
Derek Simpson held his nerve at Roe Park.Derek Simpson held his nerve at Roe Park.
Derek Simpson held his nerve at Roe Park.

Captain Neville Martin ensured everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable day out with a few challenging pin positions to make it interesting and of course the obligatory refreshment marquee at the tenth hole.

With the stage set it was senior member Derek Simpson who played an absolute blinder to win the day with a superb tally of 43 points

Having not been playing well of late Derek (or “The Tap” as he is affectionately known as in the club) got off to a great start scoring 21 points for the front nine holes.

After a welcome pit-stop for a cold one at the 10th hole, Derek had a bad start to the back nine with a double bogey at the 10th and another soon after at the 13th hole.

With the wheels looking like coming off Derek composed himself and with a little encouragement from his playing partners went on to par the next three holes.

A superb birdie then followed at the tough par three 17th hole after a solid tee shot found the middle of the green. A bogey wasn’t a bad result at the tricky 18th to conclude a fantastic round and take a deserved victory.

Jonathan Forsythe continued his fine form to take second place with a fine back 9 of 21 points on his way to scoring a solid 39 points.

Keith Bennett claimed third place with 38 points and Eamon Barkley had to rely on his fine bunker skills to take fourth spot, finding himself in no less than 12 of them.

Kieran Berryman won the gross prize with another fine performance finishing plus four and with 32 gross points. Willie Scott claimed the seniors prize with 37 points and John McKay won the past captains prize with 36 points. Stephen Rainey won the first front nine prize and Darren McVeigh the second both scoring 21 points. Joe Connor won the first back nine prize and David Martin the second both with 19 points. Ricky Cochrane and Ann Dean won the captain’s guests prizes and Robert Godfrey claimed the committee prize.

Nearest the pins were won by Norman Martin, Joel Adlard, Stephen Rainey, Kieran Doherty and Stevie Hamill. Andy Young and Bryan McCartney won the longest drives with a fine display of power hitting and accuracy.

Thursday saw the lady captain’s prize for men club stableford and Glen Nicholl claimed the win with a fantastic score of 44 points.

Fresh from his win the previous week Glenn carried on his fine form, but feels he peaked too soon managing only 30 points on captain’s day.

Bernie Weavers showed the senior members are always capable of big scores taking second place with 41 points.

Neil Mullan claimed third place. with 40 points.