Two brilliant wins for Banbridge in Barton Shield

Banbridge, who have an enviable record in the Barton Shield, went to County Armagh Golf Club for the first series of matches.

In round one, they met near neighbours Tandragee, always a tough encounter.

Connor Doran and Jim Carvill lost by one hole against James Hewitt and Jamie Stothers.

Team captain, Rory Leonard, and Colin Wilton, had a very tight game against Ross Dutton and William Small. Rory and Colin were 1 up playing the last. It looked all set to go to tie holes. But the Tandragee pair 3-putted the 18th to lose the hole and the match overall.

Round 2 was not just as exciting. Banbridge met County Cavan and were much too strong for them.

Connor Doran and Jim Carvill were 4 up after 14 holes.

Rory Leonard and Colin Wilton were 7 up after 13 holes.

There was no way back for County Cavan, so they conceded.

Banbridge will now play Lurgan on Sunday July 20. A win would put Rory’s team into the Ulster quarterfinals. It’s looking good.

Banbridge Ulster Cup team lose heavily at

Newtownstewart

Brendan Meade took his Ulster Cup team to Newtownstewart last Sunday for the first leg of their third round match.

The Ulster Cup gets much more difficult as the rounds progress. If Brendan’s team didn’t know this, they certainly do now.

Peter Hillen lost 5 and 4.

Neil Comiskey lost 4 and 3.

John McDowell got a half match.

John Gallagher lost 5 and 4.

Cathal O’ Neill lost 5 and 4.

Gary Hazley lost 5 and 3.

Alan Caughey lost 2 and 1.

The score, after the first leg, is Newtownstewart 6.5, Banbridge 0.5.

Banbridge will win at home next Sunday but the big question is, “Can they win seven games?”

It’s possible and it has happened before. But the odds are strongly against it. Come down and watch the match. It’s going to be exciting.

Thursday June 12:

This was the 9th playing of the Thursday Open Stableford this season and big-hitting Kevin McKay came out on top.

1st- Kevin McKay (13) 42 points.

2nd- Scott Nelson (10) 41 points. 3rd- Philip Mallon (10) 38 points.