Joe’s new irons do the trick as he cards a phenomenal nett 62

It was extremely cold, there were several squally showers and, to crown it all, the wind was very strong. We are still looking forward to a perfect Saturday.

The competition was the Mary Peters Sports Trust stableford and a total of 175 players took part.

The winner, with a score of 43 points, was Joe McConville (21).

He broke the calculated standard scratch score of nett 68 by six shots. That means Joe can say goodbye to his 21 handicap and he may never see it again.

Joe got a new set of irons from Club Professional Jason Greenaway recently and they have obviously worked.

He had a very steady round and finished it off in style with a birdie two at the last. He was four points clear of the field.

The runner-up, with 39 points, was young Jamie Thompson (8).

He will be very happy with his form with an important Fred Daly match against Clandeboye coming up next Sunday.

Kerry McCluskey (8) won the low section (0-12) with 38 points. Declan Barry (9) was second, also with 38 points. Kerry and Declan are two outstanding players, no doubt about it.

John Doran (13) won the middle section (13-17) with 38 points. Michael Robinson (14) was second with 37 points.

Dominic McArdle (22) won the high section (18+) with 37 points. Norman Robb (25) continues his hot streak with a second place finish in the high section with 37 points.

Merton McDowell (20) was the best senior player with 37 points. That will please him for sure.

There was an interesting battle for the best gross prize. It was between the Magennis brothers, Paul and Kieran.

They both play off a five handicap. They both went round in 72 shots.

Kieran took 35 shots for the inward nine while Paul took 34. That proved to be enough as Paul therefore won the gross prize on countback.

It couldn’t have been much closer between the two siblings but Kieran will no doubt be back to try and beat his brother next time out.

There was no prizes for Gary McCartney (10), James Wilson (7), Ryan Simpson (9) or Cathal O’Neill (11). They all had 38 points but all lost out on countback.

As for the winner, Joe McConville can look forward to a grand final later in the season. After that wonder round, Joe deserves it.