Strong Fred Daly form around Lurgan fairways

Peter Kennedy put up 42 points - off his 11 handicap - to seal the trophy and enhance his recent run of runner-up placings.

Double-bogey scores at the third and 15th holes prevented Kennedy from collecting a handicap cut down to single figures.

Jim McKee and Alex Denver - both playing off six handicaps - posted 41 points apiece, with the former edging out the latter courtesy of the countback.

Thanks to rounds of 71, each player has now returned to single-figure handicap figures and claimed three appearances in the list of winners.

Tony Gallery came home fourth on 40 points off his 12 handicap to secure another impressive score. Blips in recent rounds have held back Gallery’s scoring but consistency could lead to significant improvements in his returns.

The gross was won by Gary Clarke on 38 after a sub-par round.

Four players returned 39 points in section one - with Sean Toman’s one-under-par securing 22 points over the back nine.

Ronan McCrory posted 20 points on the return leg off his 12 handicap, with Kevin McKavanagh and Peter Cummins on 19 apiece. McKavanagh was playing off his eight handicap, with Cummins on a two handicap.

Zach Best - off 13 - posted 39 points to seal section two. He scored 19 points across the back leg to edge the section by a single point.

Stephen Cordner, off 16, was six under his handicap after 14 holes but three consecutive double bogeys knocked him down the running order.

Brian Matthews, off 20, topped section three with 35 points.

In the ladies’ Junior Cup, Lurgan won the tie at home to Cushendall by 4.5 to 0.5.

Fiona McGrady, Cara Murphy, Christine Hagan and Lynne Hanna posted wins - with Bronagh McKavanagh securing a half-point score.

Lurgan’s Fred Daly Team - the current holders of the trophy - enjoyed home success in the first leg by 4.5 to 2.5 against Fortwilliam.

The return leg will be at Fortwilliam on Sunday.