Gregory’s fightback to win matchplay – and Devine victory

LISA Gregory came from behind to take Ashbourne Golf Club’s ladies’ matchplay championship, the Toye Trophy, in a hard-fought final with Sally Benn.

Benn was quick out of the blocks, playing beautifully to go four up after five holes, which included three birdies.

However, Gregory dug in and managed to reduce the deficit to two by the time they reached the turn.

As they moved on to the back nine, the weather played a part, with heavy rain and wind making playing conditions very difficult.

It was Gregory who coped better, turning in an impressive run of five winning holes to turn the tables, going two-up at the 15th.

She then won the 16th for a fine 3&2 victory.

Gregory was also the winner of Sunday Medal Five, in which she scored a nett 77, including a birdie at the ninth hole. Alison Westerman was runner-up with a nett 79 on count-back from Penny Elliott.

Anne Weaver enjoyed a remarkable moment on her way to winning Thursday Stableford Seven with 38 points. Unable to find her ball on the seventh, she looked in the hole and there it was – for an eagle!

Anne Bourne was runner-up with 37 points, including a birdie on the eighth, while Catherine Caffrey, who birdied the first, was third with 35 points.

Anne Colwell saw her handicap cut a shot to 14 when she won Thursday Medal Six with a two-under par nett 70 in a round which included eight pars. Sandra Maxwell was runner-up with 74 points off her 11 handicap, which included nine pars. Jill Bainbridge was third with a nett 76.

HUGH Devine was a runaway winner in a field of 54 for Ashbourne GC’S Senior Captain’s Day, hosted by John Taylor.

Although the course was in excellent condition, wet weather ensured little bounce and, therefore, relatively low scores, with only two twos recorded, by Tony East and Ken Bainbridge.

Devine lifted the Malcom Simpson Trophy with 41 Stableford points.

John Hammond won the nearest the pin prize on the ninth and Graham Sinclair on the 14th.

Results, Division 1: Eric Cashmore 38pts, Gary Lambert 37, Ken Bainbridge 37. Division Two: Hugh Devine 41pts, Duncan Renshaw 36, John Cave 36.