Party time as Banbridge win the Ava Shield at Clandeboye

This past week was action filled for the junior players of Banbridge Golf Club.

Last Monday, the club professional, Jason Greenaway, took two under-16 teams to Clandeboye to contest the Ava Shield.

This tournament is one of the most prestigious juvenile golf competitions in Ulster and Banbridge have been invited to play in it for several years. It takes place over the Ava course at Clandeboye, a little bit shorter than the main course but still very testing.

There were 15 teams taking part this year and they played a 9 holes qualifying round with 4 teams making it into the semi-finals.

The Banbridge A team qualified comfortably with a team score of 168.

Garreth Orr was best with a nett 39 and he was followed by Luke Crory (nett 42), Matthew Young (nett 43), Gary McConville (nett 44) and Neil Cherry (nett 45).

The B team of Peter McConville, Jack McKerr, Chrissy Burns, Ruairi O’Neill and Rory McMullan just failed to make into the top four.

The Banbridge A tam met Clandeboye in the semi-final. The home team must have started as strong favourites but they got a shock.

Gareth Orr lost 2 and 1.

Gary McConville won 2 and 1.

Luke Crory won 3 and 2.

Neil Cherry won 2 up.

Matthew Young won 1 up.

Banbridge won their semi-final 4-1 and qualified to meet Blackwood in the final.

The final was a nail-biting affair and team manager, Jason Greenaway, could hardly bear to watch.

Gareth Orr lost 3 and 1.

Gary McConville got a half match.

Luke Crory won 3 and 2.

Neil Cherry won 2 up.

Matthew Young won 1 up.

Banbridge won the final by 3.5 to 1.5. They were presented with the Ava Shield amid much excitement.

The boys would like to thank Jason for looking after them all so well. Jason, in turn, was very impressed with the young boys gentlemanly behaviour and sporting attitude.

This was the first major team trophy to be won by Banbridge in this their centenary year. You have played your way into history, boys! Well done!

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