Golf: Silverknowes dig deep to claim Winter League title

Published on 21/03/2012 12:00

SILVERKNOWES retained the Edinburgh Municipal Clubs Winter League title but only after a titanic struggle with Carrickvale in the 36-hole final.

The defending champions emerged with a 2.5-1.5 lead from the morning match at Carrickvale. Davie Ewan and Richie Tait drew first blood for Carrickvale as they came out on top against Graham Robertson and Kenny Alexander on the final green in the first match.

The spoils were then shared in the match behind before Silverknowes claimed both points in the bottom half of the order.

In two close matches, which both ended 2 and 1, the pairings of Tam Caldwell/Stevie Adamson and Keith Reilly/Paul Heggie each recorded crucial wins for the visitors. It was just as tight after the action moved over to Silverknowes for the afternoon leg. With all the other games finished and Silverknowes leading 4-3, it all came down to the match involving the home team’s Ian Randall and Ian Doig against Allyn Dick and George Alexander. All square playing the lengthy last hole, Doig hit three good woods to about 25 feet but was left with a tough downhill putt. After two fine blows, Dick was left with a wedge for his third, hit to 30 feet but was unable to hole. Doig then lagged his putt down to a couple of inches to secure victory for Silverknowes.

Morning match (at Carrickvale)

Carrickvale 1…, Silverknowes 2…: D Ewan and R Tait bt G Robertson and K Alexander one hole; A Dick and P Cunningham halved with I Doig and I Randall; D Coyle and G Yorkston lost to T Caldwell and S Adamson 2 and 1; D Yorkston and S Hermiston lost to K Reily and P Heggie 2 and 1.

Afternoon match (at Silverknowes)

Silverknowes 2, Carrickvale 2: Caldwell and Adamson halved with Cunningham and D Yorkston; Doig and Randall halved with Dick and G Alexander; Robertson and Heggie bt Coyle and G Yorkston 2 and 1; Reilly and M Paterson lost to Ewan and Hermiston 3 and 2.