THE annual 'Ryder Cup' match between Hale and Knutsford Golf Clubs, staged for the fifth time in the Algarve, saw Hale gain local bragging rights as they won with a final score of 54-42 to take the coveted trophy and make the overall score 3-2 in their favour.

The competition sees 18 players from each side, led by professionals Richard Booth (Hale) and Tim Maxwell (Knutsford), play matches in a varied programme over three days of hot competition

A delighted Booth said: “We won on all three days with the vital one being the third day when we play for double points and a score of 27-21 clinched victory.

“There were excellent performances from rookies Tony Bray and Tom Griffiths and Ryder Cup veteran Richard Duerr was unbeaten on every day.

“John Webb won five out of six games and Peter Veitch recovered from a slow start to win his final four games, while Martin Oldfield took on two Knutsford players and won to secure legendary status.

“The match is played in great spirit and strengthens friendships between members."

Elsewhere, Stand Golf Club’s new captain Andrew McCreavey had a busy first day in office as his club hosted the latest Manchester Alliance fixture.

He was delighted to be able to play with Alliance captain Dave Smith (Swinton Park).

Giving him more pleasure were home duo Norman Haslam and James Parton who took top spot in the am-am section, posting 42 points to win a card play-off from Steve Daubney (Oldham) and Peter Barrington (Werneth), with Denis Durnian (Chorley) and Keith Liddle (Blackley) next in with 41.

The Stand captain was also delighted to receive plenty of compliments from a full field on the excellent condition and presentation of the course despite recent poor weather.

Pro-am winners Peter McManus and his Chorlton assistant pro Adam Hodkinson were very enthusiastic about the condition of the greens as they posted 45 points with McManus, a former Balfour Cup winner, giving superb backing to his partner.

Next in with 44 points were Colin Moroney and Andy Fletcher (Bolton Old Links) after winning a card play-off from Grant Hamerton (Pike Fold) and Peter Hamlett (Ashton-on-Mersey) and Ollie Pantoja (Altrincham) and Charles Rodgers (Manchester).

The top individual pro prize saw Lymm’s Graham Cox win with 39 points, one more than Adam Hodkinson, Phil Archer (Birchwood) and Andy Palmer (Chorley) who won the top assistant’s prize.