Alan lifts Shield

Alan Fordyce with the Victory Shield flanked by Graeme Rodger with the James Gray Trophy and captain Jim Stevenson (right) Back-to-back defendingVictory Shield champion Kevin Loughrie lost his title after an enthralling finish to Cambuslang’s members event.

The best players were keen to wrestle the Shield from Kevin who was aiming for a third title in a row on July 1.

The first of two rounds saw some mixed fortunes where Graeme Rodger led the pack with a gross 68, one shot ahead of several players in the chasing pack and five shots ahead of Alan Fordyce. He was also six clear of Kevin.

The second round was to prove all about the final three ball with Kevin and Alan intent on chasing the impressive Graeme down. Kevin gave a spirited defence of his title – but his two-under 68 fell short.

Alan was four under par for 17 holes and Rodger one over par, meaning they were tied for the title on the last.

A 25-foot birdie putt from Alan left Graeme needing to make a birdie to force a playoff. And the 10-foot putt was duly dispatched and the players headed for another three holes.

A fiercely contested play-off saw Alan triumph by two shots with a superb second round comeback of 65 being one of the club’s most impressive championship displays in recent times.

Graeme won the James Gray Trophy for best net score of the day.