NORTH ALLIANCE RESUMES AT SPEY BAY ON SATURDAY

By ROBIN WILSON

After a two month break the members of the North Scottish Golfers Alliance get back into action this weekend at Spey Bay golf course with four members out to improve on their already recorded scores in the race for the K M Cameron Trophy. 

Leading up to last December two of the eight programmed fixtures were cancelled, due to weather and ground conditions at Boat of Garten and then the shortening day light to enable the large entry get in the 18 holes over the Moray New course at the beginning of December so just just four members have been able to complete the requisite six scratch scores for the aggregate K M Cameron Trophy, John Campbell (Grantown on Spey), Robbie Stewart (Torvean) and Forres pair, Jim Simpson and Robert McKerron.

Campbell leads with a six score aggregate of 433 while Stewart is on 441 while McKerron (444) and Simpson (450) are a bit off the pace but can easily improve if they eradicate their high scoring rounds over the remaining five fixtures in the second half of the season and before the final championship fixture over the Moray Old Course on March 23. 

In a position to make up ground as they complete their six scores are two prominent scratch winners from the first half of the season, reigning Alliance Champion, Bryan Fotheringham (Inverness) currently holding a five card total of 347, and Alan Cameron (Fortrose and Rosemarkie) with a four score aggregate of 279. better placed after four than Cameron is the Moray Assistant Professional Andrew Rollo on 276. while  Kevin Thomson (Moray) is also in the picture with 280 from four outings.

There are also two aggregate handicap trophies to be won with six scores. The current leaders of the low handicap section for the W H Burnett Trophy both  come from the Torvaen Golf Club, K Barnett 419 and scratch contender Robbie Stewart whose gross total reduces to nett 421. Coming into the reckoning with five scores are Ian Murray (Boat of Garten), S Johnston (Elgin) 350 and D Thom Grantown on Spey) 353 and with four scores to date Stewart Wilson (Inverness) 273.    

The Bill McQueen Trophy for Class 2 handicap members is currently led by L Hutchison (Inverness) 440 and L MacBean (Boat of Garten) 446. 

So there is all to play for in the coming months when high scores they can be replaced or improved upon beginning this weekend at Spey Bay and then remaining fixtures through February and March at the following venues -  February 16 Fortrose & Rosemarkie. February 23 Muir of Ord. March 2 Torvean; March 9 Elgin. Scores at the  Championship at Moray Old on March 23 do not qualify for the aggregate trophies.