CLOVERHILL
WHETHER it was the lessons from his fellow Forkhill professional Keith or that the handicap convenor got it wrong or a combination of both Paudi Toner (24) had a competition debut on could only dream of.
Paudi and his playing partner Miceal Byrnes (24) responded to the scorching weather by literally burning up the course in a ding dong personal battle as their other two playing partners watched on in astonishment.
When the dust had settled on the shoot-out Paudi had accumulated a massive 51 points to eclipse his fellow Forkhill teammate Miceal by 5 points.
Spare a thought for Benny Tierney (12) who had the round of his life which saw him hit 46 points to finish in third place.
A 5 shot cut for the leading pair and a queue for lessons from Keith is the result of this extra special competition debut.
Next weekend is a 3 Category Singles Stableford and for all those who wish to play in the annual pairs Holmpatrick Cup the can get in contact with the competitions convenor as it will be played separately on Sunday morning only between 10am and 10-40 As this is the only Sunday without an inter-club match for the next 4 weeks. The Tom Muldoon sponsored Major will now be played in July.
Our Pierce Purcell team won a terrific battle with Killymoon at Co Armagh to reach the last 8 of the competition. The match was tied at 2 games each and we were one up going down 18 but we lost that hole meaning that we had to play tie holes.
The first hole was tied following a terrific second shot by Frank Ryan. It was the turn of his partner Seamus Keenan to grab the glory at the second play-off hole as he put the ball to within four foot of the hole for a match winning shot worthy of the occasion. With their opponents only able to muster a 5 they conceded the hole and we were through to a quarter final match against Castlereagh Hills or Clandeboye.
Our All-Ireland Fourball team face a long trip to Letterkenny for the next round of the competition after overturning the away defeat at Down-royal with a very good home win.
The home leg with the Donegal side is on July 2 with the away leg a week later. Our Sam Rutherford team are at home to Omagh this coming weekend with the away leg a week later.
Our Senior Cowdy team travel to Clones 27 pts to 5 ahead for the second leg of their match.
Holders Mannan Castle produced their champions form as they beat us 4-0 to advance to the next round. Our boys had won the home leg by 3 ½ to ½ but were comprehensively beaten away.
Dundalk man Stephen Cooney (17) was the winner of the seventh week of the BC Electrics, Dundalk sponsored Friday Open. Stephen had 43 points which was two points clear of fellow Cloverhill members Emmett Fearon (14) and Dee McEvoy (10) and Killymoon 6 handicapper Owen Mallon. The countback saw the visitor miss out on the prizemoney but vowed that he would be back for revenge. BC ELECTRICS, Dundalk sponsored Friday Open Entry Fee- Members £7/€8 Visitors £12/€14 (which includes entry to the 2’s). You can book on-line or through the clubhouse.
An Cafe Brew, Dundalk are sponsoring a special ladies competition in conjunction with our regular Friday Open on June 30. All ladies are cordially invited to attend. You can book online or through the clubhouse 048 30 889374 or 048 30889580. Entry: members £5, visitors £10.
Chomping at the bit to get a win under his belt Gary McKeown duly delivered on his promise by winning the Wednesday Cup Back 9 White Marker competition with 24 points. This week it is the Front 9 White that sees the action.
Raymond Kelly returned to winning ways via a countback as he just held off the challenge of Frank Ryan. Club President Pius Tierney was a point behind in third spot.