Sardo clinches Captain’s crown
Mike Sardo lifted the Captain’s Shield as Lansdown skipper John Butler held his captain’s day. There was a clear winner of Division 1 as Dan Nicholas shot 40 to put him three ahead of Ken Madden with Ed Butler a further shot adrift. Division 2 was a tight affair with Ian Shone prevailing with 39, just one ahead of Alan Sheppard with Shaun Morgan a further shot back. The in-form Senthil Kumar took Division 3 with 40, while Ron Harris (37) claimed second some four clear of Blaine Crooks in third. Young Edison Butler was a clear winner in the junior section on 44. The winner of the Silver Division for the ladies was Di Garry’s 36, but only on countback from Jane Belsten. Di Barwell won the Bronze Division, again with 36. The seniors is always competitive and this year the honours went to Alan Gerrish with 38, just one ahead of Eddie Watson, while Mike Creamer was third with 36. Butler was delighted with the day and thanked everyone for their support to make it so successful. Last week the ladies played for their Shield, which went home with Sue Fereday (40) as the consistent Di Garry (37) took the Silver Division and Karen Smith (35) won the Bronze Division. Suzanne Wheeler and Bridget Ashley have moved into the semifinals of the Bristol & District Handicap Foursomes with a victory over Filton. ■ APPROACH Malcolm French eventually achieved a comfortable win over Colin Lee to edge away from the Division 1 relegation places. It was a tense fight on the front nine with neither player able to get in a telling blow, leaving the match all square at the turn. It remained level until the 14th, from where French superbly parred the final five holes, winning four of them, to secure a fine victory. Brian Woodford enhanced his championship chances with a well crafted win over Reg Morris, who went down to his first loss in seven matches. Terry Selway gained a surprisingly comfortable win in his vital meeting with the out of touch Terry Gleeson to remain two points clear at the top of the table. Alasdair Campbell with his superb round, nine shots better than his previous best, greatly increased his chances of remaining in the division with a comprehensive win over Danny Peel, still occupying a relegation spot. Sue Norris gave herself an outside chance of the title after her decisive win over relegation threatened Dave Peacey. Ingrid Doherty virtually made sure of the Division 2 title after the last gasp win over her nearest challenger, Dennis Crombie, who parred 11 holes in a row to no avail. Roger Randall achieved his best round of the season to ensure a convincing win over Dave Ferebee, who has recently returned after a long lay-off. Tiger Lewis’s excellent back nine helped him overcome promotion chaser Craig Jones, who consequently lost ground on the leaders. Mike Hazel played well to get the better of Brian Lambern in a close contest to progress up the table. Ann Fear equalled her best round of the season to secure a well earned win over Graham Whatley, who faded after a good start. John Sercombe moved up the table with a creditable win over Colin Gamlin, though a promotion place remains in reach for the vanquished man. Nick Parker became favourite for the second promotion place after the best round of the day gave him a convincing win over Graham Whatley. Brian Woodford, after his comfortable win over Brian Allen, requires a point from his final League Cup Group B match to qualify for the quarter-finals. George Thurston qualified for the last eight after winning an extremely tight Group D encounter with John Vowles. And Mike Fear qualified for the quarter finals-from Group B after a hard fought draw with Sue Norris, whose great effort still leaves her with a chance of qualification. ■ BATH The Championship of Bath saw a large field of quality players compete over 36 holes for this prestigious trophy, as the hot dry conditions and fast but receptive greens made for testing golf. The winner for the best 36 hole gross score was Phil White of Burnham on 142 (74/68), ahead of Saltford’s Louis Archer (147) and Taylor Stote who shot 148. The best nett scores were Archer (67/72/139), who edged out home player Anand Shah by two points (69/72). White (75/69/144) was third. Honours for the Bath Seniors’ Scratch Medal belong to a fine score of 75 from Martin Cashnella, besting Steve Francis’ 77 and Andrew Cotter’s 82. The best nett scores were Cotter (69), Ian Mowat (69) and Roger Payne (70). The ladies held a qualifier for the National PING Women’s four-ball better-ball competition. Winning qualifiers were captain Deborah Mcardle and her partner Anne Hitchin, who will represent the club in the Grand Finals at Gainsborough Golf Club September 3-4. In the associated four-ball competition, overall winners were Caroline Gilbert and Helen Oliver with a great score of, narrowly beating Philippa Bevan and Katy Pool (45), while in third were Liz Brealey and Denise Stone (42).