Three out of three as Banbridge teams march on

FRED DALY V CASTLEROCK

This young team were 2-5 down after the away leg and they knew it would take a massive effort to win six games at home. But that’s exactly what happened and team manager, Kieran Magennis, was delighted.

Josh Lockhart won 4 and 2.

Jonathan Brush won 4 and 2.

Josh Crory won 3 and 1.

Patrick Magennis won 2 and 1.

Callum Barnes won 5 and 4.

Michael Young lost 4 and 2.

Jamie Thompson won 2 and 1.

The match overall was won 8-6. Banbridge will now play Bangor or Castle Hume in round three.

B&D V GALGORM CASTLE

The Banbridge Belfast and District team, captained by Connor Doran, had won the away leg 5-2. It looked as if the second leg would be a dawdle. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Neil Clydesdale lost 2 and 1.

Jonathan Ward lost out in the country. Jim Carville and Rory Madeley both halved their games. So, after four games, Banbridge had a very narrow lead, 6-5.

Connor Doran had to go to the last green to win 1 up. Rory Leonard, ever dependable, won 3 and 2. The veteran Ken Stevenson won 3 and 2.

It finished 9-5 in Banbridge’s favour and they will play Massereene in the next round.

ULSTER CUP V CARRICK

The Ulster Cup team, captained by Brendan Meade, had won the home leg 5-2 but getting the away points needed for victory would not be easy. And so it proved.

Roy Simpson got off to a shaky start, three down after four holes, but recovered brilliantly to win two up and give his side a huge boost.

Peter Hillen played very steady golf but still lost 2 and 1. Then along came Cathal O’Neill who had an unbelievable day out. He won 6 and 4.

Banbridge only needed another half a point. Neil Comiskey was six down at the turn but only lost 2 and 1.

Alan Caughey was five down after nine holes and he too lost by 2 and 1. John McDowell was one down after 17 holes and a half match was unlikely.

It all depended on John Gallagher and he delivered in style. He had a putt for the win on the last but he knew a half was good enough and that is what he got.