Mike’s magic moment lifts Blackley ‘A’

GOLF: 

BLACKLEY and Ashton claimed the 'A' Section silverware in the Oldham and District Golf League.

Blackley 'A' beat Werneth 'A' 3.5-1.5 in extra holes in the league play-off final at Saddleworth and the following day came close to a double when they lost 3-2 to Ashton 'A' in the 'A' Cup final at Werneth.

The destiny of the league winners' trophy was always in doubt as all five matches reached the 18th green.

In the end, with two of the games heading off down extra holes, it took a chip-in at the par-three 20th by five handicapper Mike Smith, partnering Blackley captain Dave Bausor, to clinch the match-winning third point.

Dave Tickle and Daniel Williams (one hole) and Craig Roberts and John Williams (one hole) had sealed points for Blackley, while opposing captain Lee Rowbotham and Paul Egan (one hole) were the Werneth winners.

The match between Gareth Morris and Dave Hoolickin and Jack Suttie and Andy Hey was halted with the four-ball going down the 19th when news of Smith's chip-in was heard.

Ashton's 'A' Cup final success was a fitting send-off for captain Andy Lomas, who is stepping down next season. He saw Lee Butterworth and Neil Hallsworth (6 & 5), and Mike Kelly and Martin Wild (6 & 5) register early wins, but after Blackley hit back with two successes it was down to Ian Duncan and Glynn Taylor to clinch a 3 & 1 victory for Ashton on the 17th.