Winter League winners at Dunmurry

Bragging rights, at least until next year, were up for grabs in the eighteen-hole finals, deciding the top two spots in each section, with the remaining places in the top 8 played over the more traditional 'Winter' twelve holes.

The finals themselves, won by Ward Orr and Stevie Thompson in the morning section, and Maurice Ferguson and Harry Larkin in the afternoon, definitely went to script, with Ward and Maurice, producing the type of sparkling golf which helped them reach the final in the first place.

Beaten finalists, Canis Ward and Eugene McPolin (morning section), and Billy McAuley and Roger Doherty (afternoon), played their parts in both matches, but could have little argument with the outcome of either, the winners fully deserving the titles. Both matches were played in a manner befitting the competition, and displayed the kind of camaraderie and friendships borne out of this format.

For the third year in succession Ward and Stevie had topped their group, but unlike the previous years, they carried their form through to the final. After many years of trying, this was Ward's first win in any club competition. For Maurice and Harry, this was a second victory in three years in the afternoon section, and a third for Maurice overall.

The lower places were also decided throughout the day. The morning section conclude with third place going to Michael Snoddy and Jonathon Gore over a resolute Roy Wasson, playing on his own after his partner, Tim O'Neill relocated to Australia. Fifth spot went to Tony Higginson and Club Captain, John Bennett who were victorious over father and son Tommy and Andrew Holdsworth, Steve Davis and Mark Withington came out on top in the battle for 7th and 8th against Brian McLarnon, without his partner Paul Blackstock, who is continuing his recovery from a back operation.

Third place in the afternoon section went to Neil Forsythe and Simon Doherty, who beat Martin Clarke and Kris Mullan. Fifth went to Lorcan O'Kane and Des Marley over last year's winners, Alan Young and Paddy Arthurs and 7th and 8th spots were decided when David Glasgow and Michael Forth beat John and Gary Wilson.

Prizes were presented that evening to all the winners by Tony Sheppard from Nevada Bob's Golf. Tony thanked the Club for their hospitality and congratulated everyone on the success of the competition, in what was, a particularly difficult winter for golf.

The winner's also thanked the caterers and bar staff for looking after everybody through the year, the greens staff for endeavouring to keep the course playable as much as possible through the winter, Match and Handicap for running the competition, and Nevada Bob's for their kind sponsorship.

The focus now turns to the start of the new season, commencing on Saturday with The Winter Medal. Practices also continue for the various inter-club competitions that begin this month.