County youngsters draw on strengths to retain cup
Last updated 13:18, Wednesday, 07 May 2008
CUMBRIA Under-18s halved their match with the South of Scotland in their Northern Federation of Junior Golf clash at Whitehaven – but held on to the prestigious Friendship Cup.
Cumbria relied on the same team which halved with Northumberland two weeks ago at Workington and captained once again by Windermere’s Peter Sim.
The South of Scotland fielded a very strong team of experienced boys and it was obvious that Cumbria had a battle on their hands in windy, wet conditions.
The morning foursomes were hard-fought, with Seb Nixon and Brad Hannah losing the opening match 3 & 2.
Dan Park and Jamie McDonald held their nerve to half the second match with a great putt on the 18th, before Peter Sim and Chris Lemmon, won the final foursomes 2 & 1 to even the score.
The afternoon singles produced some great golf despite the awful weather.
Seb Nixon got Cumbria off to a great start by winning his match 3 & 2 and then Sim, played superb golf to win 6 & 5.
Brad Hannah recovered from three down to halve his match on the 18th and Cumbria’s chances for a stunning victory looked on the cards.
However, Jamie McDonald was having a tough time against an opponent who was playing the game of his life and eventually lost 5 & 4 despite playing par golf.
Chris Lemmon’s match was close, the lead changing hands throughout the match, but he eventually lost 2 & 1.
With the match poised at 3-3 it all depended on Dan Park who started the 18th hole one up but his normally faultless putting deserted him and he could only manage a half.
However, as holders of the Friendship Cup, the halved match enabled Cumbria to retain the trophy for another year.
RESULT
Cumbria Players first - Foursomes: SC Nixon & B Hannah lost to E McLaren& K McLung 3&2; D Park & J McDonald halved with C Hill & S Whiteman; P Sim & C Lemmon beat T Edwards & D McLure 2/1 Foursomes total: 1.5 -1.5 Singles: Seb Crookall-Nixon won 3&1; Daniel Park halved; Peter Sim won 6&5; Brad Hannah halved; Jamie McDonald lost 5&4; Chris Lemmon lost 2&1.Singles total: 3-3 Match total: 4.5-4.5
