Blackburn win local derby
As the holders of the MDGA Archie Preston Mixed KO final in 2023 Wilpshire GC were the hosts for the 2024 final.
It was a classic local derby between Blackburn and Shaw Hill and with many courses being closed and competitions cancelled in the region Wilpshire showed its weatherproof qualities as the competition went ahead without any problems.
Blackburn came out of the blocks with all guns blazing as their Captain Duncan Stevenson and Past Lady Captain Andrea Robinson won a thriller by one up against their Shaw Hill counterparts Chris Bray and Sue Taylor.
The story was repeated in the next match with Blackburn’s Lynn Gaudisoi and Lee Sculper also winning a tense match by one up against Helen and Mark Pallett.
Michelle Whalley and Rob Wyke kept up the Blackburn momentum with a 3/2 win over Janet Catterall and Matt Lea to put their team on the edge of victory.
The fourth match was another nail biter with Blackburn completing victory for their team as Judith Reid and Mel Gillibrand also going to the 18th for a thrilling win over Patricia Royle and Ged Guest.
The remaining matches were called in with Blackburn then receiving the coveted trophy and their prizes with a gallant Shaw Hill receiving the runners-up vouchers from Alliance President Ian Brooks (Bolton Old Links) thoroughly deserved for their upbeat efforts in some close encounters which did their clubs proud.
Ian paid tribute to Wilpshire for their help and organisation on and off the course making it an enjoyable and friendly day for both teams and invited Blackburn to host the 2025 final.
Geoff Garnett