Captains lose out as Northumberland retain title

THE Societies of the Manchester and District Golf Captains and Northumberland Golf Captains have played each other for the Jack Spedding Trophy, each hosting the two-day event on two different courses in alternate years.

The 38th playing of the competition was hosted by Manchester at the top venues of Bramall Park and Reddish Vale with seven pairs in match-play opposition on each day.

Manchester got off to a confident start in superb weather at the excellent Bramall Park course taking a 5-2 lead.

The winning pairs were Geoff Sable and Irvine Caplan (Whitefield) by 5/4, President Alan Preston and John Campbell (Bramall Park by 2/1, Tony Draper (Chorlton) and Derek Lamb (Styal) by 4/2. Mike Rhodes (Styal) and Derek Dooley (Ringway) by 2/1 and Ged Gaffey (Bolton) and Don Milligan (Cheadle) by 2/1.

But Northumberland, invigorated by their stay and refreshments at the Alma Lodge in Stockport, came back strongly in the heat at Reddish Vale winning five and halving one match to retain the trophy they held from victory at Newcastle United and Ponteland in 2015 by 7.5-6.5.

The only winners for Manchester were Captain Brian Ashfield (Chapel) and Tony Barnes (Reddish Vale) with Ged Gaffey and Derek Lamb preserving their unbeaten record with a half.

As always a terrific contest played in admirable spirit with Manchester now looking to win back the trophy as they visit the North East in 2017.

Swinton Park professional Dave Smith is delighted to be the Captain of the Manchester and District Golf Alliance, the biggest, most active and successful in England, for the next year.

The Alliance alternates between amateur and professional players to be Alliance Captains each year and Dave succeeds Doug Craig from Davyhulme Park and he has a successful career in the professional ranks.

“I was honoured to be asked to be Captain of the MDGA which is one of the first to help professionals get through the winter season with competitive golf and prize funds being provided,” he said.

Didsbury Golf Club were excellent hosts for the second playing of the competition for the Bert Thompson Trophy.

The top individual pro prize was shared by Graham Cox (Lymm) and Grant Hamerton (Pike Fold) who both posted 39 points with their closest rival being Craig Daggitt (Bramall Park ) 38.