Lambeg deliver outstanding performance in Jimmy Bruen

In cold strong winds and driving rain, Lambeg pulled off their remarkable win with the very last putt on the final green in the last match.

At the turn they were down in four matches and all square in one and when the first pairing of Craig Tiffen and Tony Hamilton lost 5 and 4 on the 14th, things were not looking good.

The second pairing of John Oakes and Peter Taylor were in a similar position being 4 down at the 14th but they took it to the last, winning the next three holes.

Unfortunately their magnificent comeback was in vain when they lost the last hole. Lambeg now down two games with three to play.

Tommy Coulter and Michael Pollins were involved in a very tight match with no team ever being more than a hole in front but when they reached the seventeenth it was all square.

Both teams scored a birdie and so it was to be decided at the last. After a great drive from Michael, Tommy hit a fantastic 5-iron, pin high left side of the green to put pressure on Rockmount who came up short with their second.

Lambeg got down in two and won the hole to take the game.

Two to one Rockmount, but word came through that the Lambeg pairing of Darren McShane and Ian Jefferson had won the last game 3 and 1 to take the match to 2-2. At this stage the fourth match had reached the 17th all square. Lambeg won this one and headed to the 18th, 1 up.

The pressure was really on both teams but more so on Rockmount who earlier looked like they were going to win 3-0.

Rockmount finished short of the green after two and played up 10ft short of the hole. Ernie Mc Aleenan for Lambeg played a superb up and over the bunker to within 2ft of the pin for their fourth shot.

As Lambeg only looking a half, Rockmount needed to drop the putt but after a brilliant attempt just missed by inches. So it was left to Stephen Johnston to drop this tricky 2ft putt, which he did, with nerves of steel to give Lambeg a fantastic 3-2 win.

Credit to both teams for playing so well in such horrendous conditions, their sportsmanship to each other and in providing a very entertaining game.

Ulster Four-Ball

Last year’s runners-up Blacklion were the visitors to Lambeg at Aberdelghy on Sunday for the third round of the Ulster Four-ball and went away with a 3.5 - 1.5 win.

All the matches were very close. Sam Thompson and Graham Steel gained a half after being 3 down with four to play.

Stephen Boyd and Glen Hunter were beaten on the last hole, while Bobby Meehan and Derek Porter won 3 and 2. Aaron Smylie and David Thompson beat 3and 2. John McArdel and David Hayman beat 2 holes. The return match is next Sunday at Blacklion.

After a brave attempt the Ulster Cup team went down 4-3 at Caslehume but was not enough to take them through after losing their home game 4.5 to 2.5.

Arthur A. Prentice Plumbing and Heating competition was won by Graham Steele (21) with 45 points after a topsy -turvy round which included a triple bogey and two birdies.

Laganview Driving Range sponsored the stroke competition on Saturday and it was John Oakes (8) who came through as the outright winner with a net 58 (8 under par).

John had 4 birdies and 11 pars in his par round 66 gross.

One behind was recent winner and Club Captain Stephen Boyd with 59.

Brent Esatwood (14) hit 36 for the front nine but the double bogey on the fifteenth cost him. A.Crockard won the Best Gross again with 69.

The Wednesday Hat was won by Aaron Smylie (23) after a count-back when he and Ian Jefferson (11) finished on 41 pts. Next weeks competition is sponsored by the Beechlawn Hotel.