Fred Daly Quarter Final update

In the quarter final stage of this prestigious competition we have drawn Dunmurry. The home leg was played in glorious sunshine on the 6^th July. This was the 1^st occasion that we rolled out the big guns and fielded out strongest team, nothing being left to chance as the Dunmurry side were fielding formidable opposition in a team comprising  three 5 handicappers a 6 and the tail end still being in single figures.

Donning the team shirt for Fortwilliam to do battle were Hugh O’Hare (4), Gabriel Gribben (4), Niall McDonnagh (5), Garrett McIlroy (6), John Michael McAuley (6), Deaglan Pollock (6) and Eamon O’Kane (6).

After the first 6 holes things were looking good with the matches being, 2up, 2up, 3up, all square, 2up, 5up and 1 down. As the holes progressed we quickly ran out winners in matches 5 and 6 winning 7&6 and 9&7 respectively, strong performances from both John Michael and Deaglan giving us early wins. These were quickly followed in by Hugh and Gabriel with 5&4 wins each. The other 3 matches at this stage were finely balanced only a hole in it here and there going down 14.

Eamon O’Kane having initial being 3 down after the first 4 holes turned it around with a battling performance running out 4&3 winner.

In match 3 Niall was all square playing the last, finding the fairway with his drive, his opponent pulling his into the trees left. Niall let his second shot drift slightly and took a hard bounce off the left side of the green leaving a tricky shot over the bunker. His opponent from a difficult position played a low running hook shot which found the front edge of the green. Niall played a nice shot over the bunker but with the pin being on the short side it left a 20 footer. Nialls opponent proceeded to 2 put for his 4. Niall needing the put for the half gave it a run and by the narrowest of margins missed.

In match 4, which had been a tight affair all day, Garrett showed some real grit and determination to hole a fantastic put on the 17^th to get to 1up playing the last. Unfortunately going down the last he pulled his drive a fraction left and this was compounded by a kick off a tree meaning he couldn’t get to the green in 2. His opponent from the middle of the fairway proceeded to hit the green from the middle of the fairway and taking 2 puts won the hole and halved the match.

The final result then was a very credible 5 ½ to 1 ½. The return leg will be played at Dunmurry on Tuesday the 22^nd July at noon. All support very welcome, we still have a job on our hands getting this over the line.

East Antrim League

The East Antrim League team were in action on the 7^TH July away to Massereene. John Joe McCool, Brendan Morgan, Callum Donnelly and Karl Fox representing Fortwilliam. All the boys putting in very good performances and winning all 4 matches.

JJ McCool 3&1

Brendan 4&2

Karl 8&7

Callum 1up