COUNTY NEWS

Renfrewshire are the A team in

West League

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY RENFREWSHIRE GOLF UNION
Renfrewshire Golf Union’s “A” team remains unbeaten in its bid to retain the West of Scotland League title after a very close match against Dunbartonshire at Greenock Golf Club.
With a strong wind being a major factor, there were many wayward shots and anyone visiting the cemetery to the right of the 14th hole would have collected a number of balls which found their way there!
As it transpired, the key game of the day was the first game out – Sam Binning (pictured)of Ranfurly Castle against Dumbarton’s Andrew Campbell. Both players have been boy internationals and, as expected, it went all the way to the last hole where Sam, having been down, salvaged a halved match. Another massive result came from Stuart Robertson (Cochrane Castle) who, in his first County appearance this season, faced Hilton Park’s Gordon Yates. Gordon is a full international, an SGU squad player, a member of the 2009 Walker Cup training squad and runner up in this year’s Asia-Pacific Open. Stuart was unfazed and recorded a one- hole victory which saw Renfrewshire win the match 5 ½ to 4 ½.
With two matches remaining, Renfrewshire are now firm favourite for the title. Team Captain, Ronnie Clark (Erskine), who had a convincing 4 and 3 win over Paul Betty (Hayston) said that with three of his top players unavailable, the result demonstrated the depth of talent which exists in the Renfrewshire Golf Union.
The Youth team recorded an away win at Hilton Park Golf Course and are now back with an outside chance of retaining its title after a disappointing start to the campaign.
Full “A” Team results
RENFREWSHIRE 5 1/2, DUNBARTONSHIRE 4 1/2
Sam Binning (Ranfurly Castle) halved with Andrew Campbell (Dumbarton).
Michael Campbell (Renfrew) lost to Kevin Smyth (Windyhill) 3 and 2.
Paul Alexander (Caldwell) bt Craig Checkley (Vale of Leven) 4 and 3.
Michael Daily (Erskine) lost to Peter Haggarty (Helensburgh) 1 hole.
Ronnie Clark (Erskine) bt Paul Betty (Hayston) 4 and 3.
Stuart Robertson (Cochrane Castle) bt Gordon Yates (Hilton Park) 1 hole.
Steven Higgins (Gourock) bt Grant Minnes (Hayston) 3 and 2.
Ross Campbell (Gourock) bt Colin Peddie (Kirkintilloch) 3 and 2.
Nicky Gold lost to Ryan McKenzie (Cardross) 2 and 1.
David MacFarlane lost to Niall Lamond (Balmore) 2 and 1.