FIFE DETHRONE NORTH-EAST IN SCOTTISH AREA FINAL THRILLER

FROM THE SGU WEBSITE
Fife edged out defending champions North East in a thrilling finale at the Moneygate Scottish Area Team Championship in Prestwick to secure a historic maiden title.
Bill Dickson's side, who comfortably defeated the Lothians in their morning semi-final, produced a spectacular comeback to deny the North East a second consecutive title.

Kevin Blyth, who was drafted in as a last minute replacement for injured Greg Paterson, along with playing partner Peter Latimer sparked their side's recovery, coming from behind to seal a 2 hole victory over Scott Larkin and Adam Dunton, and in doing so secure a second foursomes win of the day for the Fife pair.

It was Lundin's James White who won the decisive point for Fife, coming back from three down against former British Boys Champion Jordan Findlay to win on the final green.
Three behind after ten holes, White produced a stunning back nine that included birdies at 12, 14 and 18 to claim a victory that meant the remaining match on the course between David Law and Scott Stewart-Cation was irrelevant with the pair agreeing on a halved match playing the 17th all square.
Last year's SGU Order of Merit runner-up Philip McLean had earlier given the North East a perfect start with a 5 and 4 victory over Scott Crichton. However a notable 4 and 3 triumph for Leven's Brian Soutar over international team-mate Kris Nicol soon levelled the match and placed extra importance on the opening foursomes match nearing its conclusion with Fife went on to win.
Winning team captain Bill Dickson was elated after his side's nail-biting victory:

“I'm extremley proud to be a Fifer. The whole team played excellent golf in some horrendous conditions at times. The boys have done everyone connected to golf in Fife very proud, it was a great victory against a really strong North East side

“The win in the foursomes was crucial, the news filtered back down to James and Scott who were behind in their matches out on the course and i think it helped inspire them to turn their matches around. To captain the first ever winning Fife side feels incredible.” he added.

James White, member of the SGU Men's Elite Squad that recently visited South Africa for warm weather training was equally thrilled after his side's win:

“It feels brilliant to take the trophy to Fife for the first time, i'm so pleased for all the Fife officials and everyone involved who have been supporting the team over the years, they really deserve it.”
White who recently graduated from Stirling University is focusing on more success in 2011 as he embarks on full time golf this season for the first time:
"The training in South Africa has really helped my game, and although i didn't have the best results out there i am really reaping the benefits now and i am looking forward to kicking on even further this season."
“It has been a fantastic team effort this weekend, Kevin Blyth came in for Greg very last minute but played great and won both his foursomes matches, we have a really good team spirit which i think was key to our comeback.” he added.
In a repeat of the 2010 third and fourth place play-off match, Ayrshire reversed last year's outcome to take the bronze medals, winning by a 3½ - 1½ points against fellow beaten semi-finalists, Lothians.


Click here for final results from the 2011 Moneygate Area Team Championship