Duki’s men defy the odds at Davenport
THE Manchester Alliance’s Inter Club City Glass Mens Foursomes Matchplay Knock Out for the City Glass Trophy is one of their oldest competitions, beginning with the title the Cavanagh Timber Foursomes.
It is played for by seven pairs from each competing club with handicap restrictions in place to allow longer handicap players to compete.
The competition, featuring over 90 clubs, began in April, with the teams aiming to reach the final hosted by the previous year’s winners- in this case Davenport GC.
Battling through to the final were Dukinfield and Marple with Dukinfield having to make substantial changes to their team with several regulars away on a golfing holiday.
It was a very wet day and thanks to the good work done by the Davenport green staff the course stayed playable in very challenging conditions.
Marple scored the first point by 3/2 by their top pair of football legend Craig Frisby and Ray McPhee. Dukinfield showed their intent to take the lead through Barry Lees and Andy Dewsbury 2/1 and Dean Harwood and Ian Child 3/2.
A big 5/4 win for Simon Jeffs and Mark Oldfield drew Marple level for an exciting finish.
But Dukinfield were not to be denied as wins for Richard Whyatt and Paul McDermott 2/1, Pete Thomas and Ian Lamb 3/2 and Ben Hodson and Darren Burgess 4/3 took a delighted Duki team across the finishing line by 5-2.
Alliance President, a soggy Ian Brooks, paid tribute to both teams and their supporters for their fortitude and determination and to all at Davenport for their excellent and friendly support on a very dank day.
Geoff Garnett