NIGG BAY TOP SCORE WITH 13-hole MAITLAND SHIELD WIN OVER STONEHAVEN

By COLIN FARQUHARSON

Nigg Bay were the "big hitters" on the opening night of the City of Aberdeen men's double foursomes for the Maitland Shield at Deeside Golf Club's Bieldside course tonight (MONDAY).

The Balnagask quartet beat Stonehaven by 13 holes.

Kevin Dalgleish and Adam Giles finished seven up on Kevin Riddell and Paul Kelly in her lead-off tie. Ian Welsh and Lee O'Connor almost matched that winning margin with a six-hole victory over Craig Mackay and Graeme McFarlane.

Royal Aberdeen also had a smooth passage through to the second round. They finished nine holes to the good against Portlethen.

Mark Halliday and Donald Macandrew were four up on Clark Brechin and Rpobbie Murdoch at the close while Nick Macandrew and Craig Leith were five up against Gary Esson and Ben Murray.

The all-Links derby match was the closest contest of the night, Bon Accord, beaten finalists last year, beating Northern by only three holes overall. The first tie - Matthew Greig and Chris Somers  (Bon Accord) v George Patterson and Cameron Johnstone (Northern) - finished all square so the overall outcome was decided by Bon Accord's second string of Barrie Edmond and Alan Strath. They finished three up on Phil Benson and Neil Walker.

Newmachar were conceded a walk-over victory by Auchmill who could not field a team.
The Maitland Shield is one of the tournaments sponsored by the Douglas Hotel's Molly's Bistro restaurant and Malone's Irish Bar. Try them out next time you are in Aberdeen's Market Street area.

SCROLL DOWN FOR THE DETAILED RESULTS AND TUESDAY NIGHT'S PROGRAMME AT DEESIDE