Juveniles off to winning start in shield

The first match for Banbridge was a home draw against Dunmurry. This inter-club competition is a perfect means of introducing young members to the intricacies of matchplay golf.

The seven games were played in a very sporting manner and the outcome could hardly have been closer.

Patrick Magennis was out first and he lost 3 and 2 (zero points).

Matthew Savage was well beaten, 7 and 5 (zero points).

This was a very inauspicious start for Banbridge and their team manager, Susan Magennis, was very worried, although she did her best not to show it.

Scott Nelson, although beaten 3 and 1, put the first point on the board for Banbridge by winning the second nine.

Callum Barnes played really well to win 4 and 2 and he contributed three points.

After four results were in, Dunmurry led by 12 points to four. There were only three games left and Banbridge needed to win all three. That was a big ask.

Michael Young did his bit when he won by 2 up and he got three and a half points.

Thomas Magennis played very solidly and he won a tight match by 2 and 1. Thomas also got three and a half points.

With one result to come in, Dunmurry led 13-11. The large crowd around the eighteenth green held their breath.

Young Matthew Jamison showed maturity beyond his years to win his game 2 and 1 and he got a brilliant par at the final hole to get an extra half point. Matthew got three and a half points and that meant that Banbridge had won by the narrowest of margins.

The final score was: Banbridge 14.5 Dunmurry 13.5.

The next match for Banbridge in the Craigavon Shield is away to Edenmore. That should be fun.