Nerveless finish has Woodford closer still

Brian Woodford held his nerve to secure a vital win over George Thurston that puts him top of the Division 1 table, requiring two points from his last two matches to be certain of the championship. Woodford made an ideal start, reaching three up after five holes but Thurston hit back with two birdies to be just one down at the turn. Woodford eased the pressure by extending his lead to three early on the back nine and was soon dormie three. Thurston won the next hole after a mistake by his opponent, but Woodford determinedly halved the 17th to win. Reg Morris and Mike Fear fought a war of attrition that ended in a two all draw as the latter won the final hole. Malcolm French’s narrow, last hole win over league leader Terry Selway gave him an outside chance of the title, but badly dented Selway’s hopes. Alasdair Campbell achieved a superb win over Terry Gleeson to virtually ensure his Division 1 status next season. In Division 2, Brian Allen gained a keenly contested victory over Craig Jones despite losing a twohole lead. Jones started brightly, winning two of the first four holes to reach two up, but by the turn Allen had drawn level and his excellent play carried him to two up with six to play. Jones bravely fought back to square the match, only for Allen to go to the front on the 17th and hold on for victory. Nick Parker successfully continued his chase for the title, but had to battle to get past the determined Ann Fear, who gave him a hard time on the back nine. Dennis Crombie continued to make excellent use of the good conditions this time to gain an impressive win over long time adversary Dave Ferebee. Colin Gamlin had to play near his best to achieve a narrow defeat of the in-form Graham Whatley, who has played consistently well in the good conditions. John Vowles achieved his best round since joining the club to help him secure a convincing win over Brian Lambern and enhance his chance of taking the Division 2 crown. ■ Lansdown The Invitation Day has been won by Di Garry and Tracey Scully, who came in with an excellent 47 to beat Graham Pristo and Ian Carter by just one point. In third spot were family pairing David and Cameron Stevenson (44), but only on countback from Harry Harris and guest Duncan Cronin. The Millennium Captains from four local clubs event took place at Lansdown this year and the prizes are for captains from different eras . The pre-2000 section was won by Lansdown’s own Derek Godwin, with an outstanding 42 which put him seven clear of Simon Calvertjones (Bath) with Peter Seavill (Saltford) a further point back. The noughties section went to Lansdown’s Eric Morgan (37), two clear of Harvey Glasgow with Barry Morris (Saltford) a further point adrift. And the section from 2010 went to Lansdown’s 2017 captain, Mike Cheek, with 39, but only by one point from Gary Gale-sides (Kingsdown) with current Lansdown skipper, John Butler third with 36. Suzanne Wheeler and Bridget Ashley have reached the final of the Bristol & District Handicap Foursomes with a hard fought 2&1 victory over Worlebury. The latest ladies’ stableford was a high-scoring affair with the honours going to Karen Smith’s excellent

Grace’s superb round secures space in finals

Saltford Golf Club Junior Grace Emmerson played the round of her life to advance to the American Golf Junior Championship UK and Ireland finals. The nine-year-old, pictured, shot an impressive 54 over nine holes at the qualifier to win the Future Star category. She now progresses to the next stage, held at Gainsborough Golf Club, which will be televised on Sky Sports later this month. 44, which put her two shots clear of Cheryl King with Jane Belsten (40) taking third. The Open Texas Scramble has been won by Ken Madden, Tony Britton, Mike Creamer and Phil Mawer, whose nett 56.8 but them just four-tenths ahead of Barry Frayling partnering Steve Maddison, Liam Fussell and Rob Braund with the team of Lee Tucker, Dave Ladwin, Dave Dixon and Brian Bush claiming third place with 57.3. In the seniors’ section, the Pat Mcmahon Trophy was won by Rod Thomas and Rex Parry, whose 42 put them four points clear of Dave Pollinger and Roy Mccullough. The club was delighted to see Joe Long, who has had a great season, reach the final of the English Amateur tournament at Formby with some spectacular golf. He fell just short of the top prize as he lost in the final to Tom Thurloway from Chartham Park, in Sussex.