Golf: Mathieson's par enough to lift cup

DUNBAR trainee Terry Mathieson produced the day's outstanding performance as the Edinburgh & East of Scotland Alliance headed south of the Border for an outing at Goswick.

In testing windy conditions on the Northumberland coast, Mathieson shot a level-par 72 to claim the top prize, the Thorburn Cup.

He finished four shots clear in the scratch section, European Senior Tour player Andrew Oldcorn being his closest rival, with Eyemouth trainee Daniel Wood and Derek Fish of Glenbervie next on 77.

On a day when 76 members braved the elements, Craigielaw's Duncan Stewart took the handicap honours with a 75 playing off seven.

Top trainee was Craigielaw's Ryan Buckley with a gross 80, while the senior spoils went to James Rankeillor of Baberton with a net 78 off nine.

The event concluded the handicap order of merit and, despite earning no points on this occasion, Harrison's Justin White held on to his commanding lead to secure top spot with 133.5 points.

Second place went to Stuart Brown of Glencorse with 111 points, with Lothianburn's George Wither third with 109.5 points.

The Scratch Order of Merit will be decided at the championship at Gullane No.?2 and No.?3 in a fortnight's time.