BROOKDALE Golf Club were hosts for the WGTB Club Trophy final for the first time and they did a superb job both on and off the course in making it a memorable day for all of the finalists.

For several players it was their first to this hidden gem and they were amazed and delighted by the challenge and quality of the course.

The catering was superb and everyone was given a friendly welcome by the Brookdale members and their staff.

The early pace was set by Denton’s Len Walker and Phil Beard, who posted a terrific haul of 43 points, and the rest of the field were left well adrift of the leaders, who were delighted to win the WGTB Trophy for their club and a play-and-stay at Marriott Worsley Park Resort.

Next in, after winning a card play-off on 40 points, were Jon Perks and Paul Doolan (Stamford) who will enjoy a round for four at Prestbury as their back nine haul of 24 points sent them clear of Sale’s Paul Browne and Steve Snape, who will enjoy a round for four at Ringway.

The other main prizes were decided on a card play-off on 38 points with Kevin Roberts and previous winner Mike Smith (Sale) victorious with a better back nine from Stamford’s Jamie Chadwick and Paul Murray, who won prizes of rounds for four at Mottram Hall and Alderley Edge.

Nearest-the-pin prizes were won by Phil Beard and Brian Thomas (Stamford) with balls for twos going to Beard, Paul Birkett, Pete Doolan and Mike Smith.

Sale Golf Club had a record number of eight pairs in the final – a good tribute to their excellent organiser Browne.

Meanwhile, Leigh Golf Club provided a course in stunning condition enjoyed by a full Manchester Alliance field despite steady rain in the final hour of play.

Most of the Alliance’s top professionals returned to action in a full field and leading the individual professional section was Ringway’s David Brunton with 38 points ahead of Anthony Millar (Ellesmere) on 37 and Adam Hodkinson (Chorlton), Dave Green (Dukinfield) and Andy Palmer (Chorley) all on 36 with Palmer picking up the top assistant pro prize.

He also led his Bolton partner Keith Ashton to top spot in the pro-am section with 42 points taking them one clear of Martin Longshaw (Haigh Hall) and Daniel Moore (Haydock Park), who won a card play-off from Knutsford’s Tim and Simon Maxwell.

It also needed a card play-off on 43 points in the am-am section to see Ashton-on-Mersey’s Steve McDermott and Paul King take top spot from home pair Mark Riley and Dan Crook, with another Leigh duo Vinny Doyle and Dave Tonge in third spot with 41.