City of Derry Golf Club made history on 15th August when
claiming the Senior Mixed Foursomes Ulster title having
defeated Ardglass at Castlerock Golf Club. This was the
first occasion that the Club both reached and claimed the
title in its history.
Under the guidance of non-playing captain, Betty McBride,
assisted by Lester Moore, the Prehen team battled their way
through a tough qualifying stage to win four tough matches
before reaching the final.
Having topped the field in the district qualifying round at
Roe Park, the City of Derry team went on to defeat Foyle,
Carrickfergus and Downpatrick before overcoming the
challenge of Cavan in the Ulster semi-final.
In the final against former winners Ardglass, the Prehen
squad exhibited great tenacity in their five matches.
Sean Quigg and Deborah Doherty found themselves two down
after nine holes and having clawed their way back into the
match to hold a one whole advantage on the 18th tee; Sean
holed a 30 feet putt for what was a spectacular half, City
of Derry putting their first victory on the board.
In the second match, Kevin Quigg and Gerda Laird got off to
a flying start and they never looked back when winning 4 and
2.
In the third match, Cormac McKeowne and Catherine McCanny
had to concede five shots to their opponents losing out on
the 17th green, 2 and 1.
The fourth pairing of Peter Villa and Ciara Quigg clinched
the victory despite struggling over the first nine holes and
reaching the turn two holes down. Indeed, still two holes
down after the 11th, the Prehen pair won the next five holes
to record a superb 3 and 2 victory, giving City of Derry an
unassailable 3-1 lead. Ernie Heywood and Rosie Shortt, the
fifth pairing, were all square on the 16th tee when they
were called in.
City of Derry now progress to the All-Ireland finals, which
will be played over two days on September 2nd and 3rd again
in Castlerock. Best wishes are extended from all North West
Clubs over these two days to the City of Derry team.
Results from the Ulster Final:
Sean Quigg and Deborah Doherty won 1-up
Kevin Quigg and Gerda Laird won 4 and 2
Cormac McKeowne and Catherine McCanny lost 2 and 1
Peter Villa and Ciara Quigg won 3 and 2
Ernie Heywood and Rosie Shortt half match [called in on
16th]
Report by
Naoimh Quigg
Vice Captain ladies Branch.