Stamford’s Forest fire

SOUND ADVICE . . . professional Andy Earlam passes on tips to the youngsters at Oldham.

GOLF: STAMFORD booked their place on Dunham Forest Trophy finals day with a superb 4-3 quarter-final victory at Crompton and Royton.

Professional Mark Smith led the way with a 3 and 2 verdict over his C and R counterpart Martin Beaty, while other winners for Stamford were Spencer Yates (2 and 1), Josh Ainscough (1up) and Andy Bent (2 and 1). The other team members were Chris Houfe, Taylor Yates and Kev Duffy.

Stamford last won the trophy in 1980, on their previous finals day appearance. They will be hoping history repeats itself on September 19 when they go to Altrincham to take on Bramall Park in the semi-finals.

The other semi features Leigh and Chorlton, the winners meeting in the afternoon for the Manchester and District Golf Alliance team trophy.



NEW Oldham Golf Club professional Andy Earlam is following in the footsteps of the club’s two previous professionals by providing junior group lessons (see picture) every Saturday afternoon at a nominal cost of £2. Any parents interested in taking their children (up to 18) should ring Andy on 0161 622 0048 to make the necessary arrangements.



THERE is still time for boy and girl golfers to enter top competitions at Sale GC. The Balfour and Houldsworth Junior Championship on Sunday, September 13, is for players under-18. Details at www.balfourandhouldsworth.co.uk.

The second tournament, on October 25, is the annual Joanne Morley Challenge for golfers under 16 at the start of the year. Former LPGA star and Solheim Cup vice-captain Joanne Morley will host the day.

Information: Geoff Garnett on 0161 881 7550 or email ggggarnett@aol.com.



WERNETH 'A' came back from the brink to make it through to the Oldham and District Golf League’s ‘A’ Section final with a hard-fought 3.5-1.5 play-off semi-final victory at home to Stamford ‘A’.

Jack Suttie and Andy Hey (3 and 2) registered an early win for the home side, but things did not look good as the other matches reached the closing holes.

Adam Rowbotham and Chris Cordwell were one down playing the last, but made a birdie and then another to win on the 19th hole. Three of the five matches went into extra holes with Michael Farrimond and Mark Routledge clinching the decisive point on the 20th.

The last game provided even more of a swing, with Lee Rowbotham and Paul Egan three down with four to play only for the home pair to birdie the 15th, 17th and 18th holes. The four-ball was eventually called in after 22 holes.