PERFECT weather conditions greeted the finalists on the first of the two finals days which were held at Wenvoe Castle Golf Club a week last Sunday.

A full programme saw finalists teeing off in the early hours with the Men’s and Ladies Championship being played over 36 holes. Back in time for lunch and back out again soon after was the challenging day for some players and a large number of members turned out to give their support.

The busy programme was also boosted by the finals of the Hallett League and Cup Plate Competitions. The matches were between teams who have s successfully fought their way to the finals stages and Wenvoe Castle is the traditional home for finals of all the Hallett Society Competitions. Over 40 clubs throughout south Wales compete in the knockout stages and to reach the final is a considerable achievement. Coed y Mwster successfully defended their league title in the play-off against Caerphilly while the Vale of Glamorgan deservedly saw off Aberdare to clinch the Plate trophy.

The course was again prepared and presented at its best and without exception the players spoke highly about the excellent condition of the course. The referees who presented the trophies at the finish of the individual matches consistently spoke of the sporting manner and the spirit in which the matches were played.

The Men’s Club Championship was a stunning contest between the veteran Keith Simpson and Leigh Ivory during which there were no less than 15 birdies shared by both players as the game ebbed and flowed to a thrilling finish. Over the first 18 holes Keith built up a commanding lead of four holes which increased to six as they began the final stretch. In a tremendous effort to get back in contention Leigh fired a barrage of birdies to get back to just a one hole deficit as the players stood on the 16th tee. Drawing on his vast experience at the highest level Keith then responded with birdies on the next two holes to close out the match three and one on the 17th hole and clinch the title for the seventh time. Leigh was denied his first Championship title but played his part in a high quality match and will be long remembered by all the spectators particularly club captain Ken Howells who congratulated both players on match played in a truly sporting manner and a credit to both players.

In the Ladies Championship it was to be a new name on the cup with Barbara Beedham and Lynda Campbell challenging for the title for the first time. It was another match over 36 holes in which the tested the quality and stamina of both players. Barbara gained the upper hand over the first 18 holes and at the half way stage led by four holes. A determined fight back by Lynda closed the gap to just two holes but the match was probably won and lost on the ninth and tenth holes where Barbara won both and extended her lead back to four holes. Despite a valiant attempt by a very competitive opponent to close the gap the match eventually finished on the 13th hole and where Barbara deservedly clinched the title. The Lady Captain Trish Walker refereed the match and complimented both players on quality of the game the spirit in which the match was played especially as it was the first appearance in the Championship final for both players.

The remainder of the finals were played out over 18 holes the majority of which were decided on the last few holes.

The excellent weather continued for the second finals day held last Sunday and was organised for players who had reached two finals and avoided having to play two in one day. The day provided some compensation for the two losing finalists in the Men’s and Ladies Championships as both Leigh Ivory and Lynda Campbell won their second final.

Leigh Ivory teamed up with Sheila Morrow to win the Dr and Mrs AM Trophy against Nicola Sims and Jeff Plevey.

Lynda Campbell came back from three holes down against Barbara Beedham in the final of the Whiteflower Trophy and finally clinched victory in a play off on the 21st hole. In the two weeks the pair had played 57 holes against each other and honours were shared with a trophy each.

Pat Regan picked up his second trophy this time with partner Matthew Gill in the Rickards Foursomes final. It was second time unlucky for Mark Gallivan who had played against Pat the previous week and although going down at the final hurdle he and his partner can reflect on doing so well to get to the final after many knockout stages throughout the summer.

The Hallett Society also returned to complete their programme with Creigiau and Cradoc Golf Clubs contesting the final of the Hallett Cup. Neither of the Clubs had previously won the trophy and it proved to be a very close nail biting affair with a draw at two matches each after 18 holes. One pair from each side was nominated for the sudden death play-off and Creigiau were the eventual winners on the second play-off hole.

The full results of the Club finals are shown below. Congratulations to the various winners and well done to the runners up who had battled through many knock out round to get to the finals stages.

Summary of Results:

Men’s Finals:

Men’s Club Championship

Winner Keith Stimpson Runner up Leigh Ivory

Robert Rickard Trophy

Winner: Pat Regan Runner up Mark Gallivan

Dragon Trophy

Winner: Roley Brana Runner up Martyn Lewis

H Regans Foursomes Knockout Trophy

Winners: Pat Regan & Matthew Gill Runners up Mark Gallivan and Mike Veryard

Ladies Finals:

Ladies Championship

Winner Barbara Beedham Runner up Lynda Campbell

Mary Fellows Bowl

Winner Lynda Campbell Runner up Barbara Beedham

White Cup Foursomes

Winners Helen Hughes and Sheila Morrow Runners up Delyth Thomas and Lyn Williams

Blod Lewis Cup

Winner Deborah Williams Runner up Jayne Smith

Bronze Championship

Winner Wendy Motton Runner up Linda Bird

Mixed Competition Final:

Dr and Mrs AM Jones Trophy

Winners Leigh Ivory and Sheila Morrow Runners up Jeff Plevey and Nicola Sims