Josh goes close to Ulster glory as Aaron plays for Ireland

Lisburn's Josh Robinson was pipped at the post in the Ulster Under 16 Close Championships over Easter.

Playing at Ardglass, he led the field with a round of 71 in the qualifying, while Jack Shellard and Pyle Patton finished on 76 to qualify alongside him.

Mark Stewart and Harry Scott finished just outside the qualifying limit for the match play stage.

Kyle lost on the last green to Ryan McNelis (Fintona) in the first round but leading qualifier Josh kept Lisburn’s flag flying.

He defeated his clubmate Jack two and one in the quarter-final and went on to reach the final where he met Scott Miller (Clandeboye).

The final was level after eight holes but Scott won the next three. Josh was still in with a chance of a comeback but the turning point came at the 12th green. Josh looked likely to win the hole and start to pull back the score but Scott pitched in to go four up.

Josh won 14 and 16 with birdies but Scott clinched the championship with a winning birdie three at the 17th.

FOUR NATIONS

Lisburn’s Aaron Marshall was unable to compete as he was representing Ireland at the Four Nations tournament at The Hilton, Templepatrick.

Holland won the tournament after defeating Ireland, Wales and Scotland. Ireland finished second with Aaron winning 2.5 points out of 3 in the foursomes. He was unlucky to meet three in form opponents in the singles.

FRED DALY

Lisburn’s Fred Daly team got off to a great start in the competition with a 4 – 1 victory at Slieve Russell.

Christian Kennedy played well and was unlucky to lose the top match. Aaron Marshall, Josh Robinson, Kyle Patton and Jack Shellard won their matches. The return leg will be played at Lisburn on Saturday.