Junior Cup team reaches Ulster final

THE big news this week from the local golf club is that the GUI Junior Cup team, under the captaincy of Hugo Downey, have reached the Ulster final.

Last Sunday, at the neutral venue of Belvoir Park, Banbridge defeated Cairndhu in the semi-final.

At this stage, there are no easy games and, even though Banbridge secured victory by winning the first three games, they had to play superb golf to do so.

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Luke Woods led the way and, after a pulsating 17 holes, Luke pulled out a phenomenal birdie to win the 18th hole and his game by one up.

Jonathan Shannon played number two and the ups and downs of his game had to be seen to be believed. He was three down after three holes and all square after six. In the match, no less than 16 holes changed hands. Thankfully for the Banbridge team, Jonathan won the final hole and his game by one up.

This was a sensational start for Banbridge and they now only needed to win one of the three remaining games for victory. Easier said than done!

Neil Madeley was out at number three and he played really well for 14 holes. He was three up with four play. What looked like a straightforward win suddenly became very tricky.

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The pressure was intense, because Cairndhu were holding the upper hand in the last two games. Neil’s match could very well decide the issue.

Neil lost the 15th and 16th and he then faced the treacherous par four 17th. But the tension was clearly affecting both players as they tried to come to grips with what is probably the most difficult hole in Belvoir Park.

Once again, the ball ran favourably for Banbridge. Neil won the hole and his game by 2 and 1.

The match was over so Rory Madeleley and Jonathan Burns could relax. Their games were both very tight and they would probably have gone to the final hole. But thankfully, that scenario did not arise.

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Hugo Downey has a very strong team and they will approach the Ulster Final with confidence.

The Ulster Final, please take note, will be at Shandon Park Golf Club next Sunday, August 15 with a tee-off time of 1.40 pm. Banbridge will play Portstewart in the final.

The value of support should never be under estimated. The players rise to the occasion when they see their friends and fellow club members watching the games.

So, if you can possibly do it, try to make it to Shandon Park next Sunday.

It’s bound to be exciting.

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