In what was only the third staging of the President’s Trophy Carlyon Bay yesterday captured a win as they defeated a plucky Falmouth team who have now been the losing finalists on two occasions. The winning Carlyon Bay team are pictured above with Captain Howard Gough and Cornwall Golf Union President David Inch.

In this format three players, from each of the handicap categories 1-3,  play matchplay singles over 18 holes. The final was played in beautiful conditions at Newquay GC.

Falmouth team prior to play

Carlyon Bay's winning team prior to play

Carlyon Bay got off to a good start by winning the first two matches as James Brett and Dominic Laker defeated Ross Taylor and Pete Chambers 3&1 and 4&3 respectively.

Falmouth’s Andy McKnight suffered a nasty strike to the shin when he was struck by a fellow team member’s ball and no doubt this played a part as he was well beaten 6&5 by the Bay’s Chris Jackson.

Meanwhile Ray Longstaff got Falmouth’s first point on the board as he beat Michael Hawke 2up. However, Martin Bullock recorded a fourth win for Carlyon Bay as he won his match 3&2 over Steve Thomas. This left Carlyon Bay needing just the one more win to claim a victory.

When Falmouth’s Tristan Gurd then beat George Linaker 3&2, his team were still very much in the match. With the remaining three games alive on the course, two of which were close affairs, the result was still in doubt but Carlyon’s Louis Gough put paid to Falmouth’s hopes as he recorded a 3&2 win over Mark Carter.

With victory gained it just remained for the final games to be played out and good matches they both were between experienced golfing stalwarts from both clubs. In the end Falmouth’s Micky Doust halved with Jeff Hammett and Nicky Chinn defeated Dave Saget by the odd hole. This meant the final result was Carlyon Bay 5.5 - 3.5 Falmouth.

Newquay GC Vice Captain Dick Rundle welcomed the teams and the Cornwall Golf Union to the club.

CGU President David Inch thanked Newquay GC, its committee and membership for their hospitality and for providing an excellent venue for the final. He congratulated both teams on reaching the final and presented awards to both.

Falmouth Captain Barry Lawrence paid tribute to his team for having reached the final. He thanked Newquay for hosting the final in grand conditions and congratulated Carlyon Bay on their victory. He said Newquay had traditionally not been a happy hunting ground for Falmouth but was sure that the club would see success in the future.

Carlyon Bay Captain Howard Gough was a proud man as he accepted the elegant President’s Trophy from David Inch. He thanked his team for their efforts in the competition. He expressed the hope the President’s Trophy competition, which is subject of review, would continue to exist in the future as it provided good competitive golf for a full range of handicap players.

Matchsheet