THE Mersey Ladies' Shield had a field of more than 100 golfers from the five Mersey clubs on a day blessed with superb weather and excellently hosted by defending champions Sale.

Sale again set the pace with a string of solid scores but Didsbury kept in touch, leaving it until the final match with Val O’Brien and Bev Hopcutt posting 41 points – a great effort but just three points short of overtaking Sale.

The stars for Didsbury were Peggy Haslam and junior captain Amy Sarjantson, who amassed a superb haul of 44 points to be the top pair of the day.

They finished a point ahead of Sale’s Cath Rawthore, their England seniors star, and Julie Matthews, and Ella Rawthore and Caroline Croxton.

Completing the individual prizes were Didsbury lady captain Jane Ridley and Jenny White with 42 points.

The other Sale team scorers were Jenny Dolphin and Margaret Lennon (41), Maria Walmsley and Cynthia Hammond (40). Jane Ashcroft and Matilda Botman (39) and Christine Johnson and Fiona Flanagan (38).

The final team scores – with the top six pairs counting – were:- 1 Sale (244), 2 Didsbury (242), 3 Withington (223), 4 Northenden (207), 5 Chorlton (204).

Knutsford Golf Club were again superb hosts for the Society of Manchester and District Captains’ annual introductory meeting for new captains.

There were 25 new captains who, along with 12 members of the executive of the association, were treated to nine holes of golf in the delightful setting of Tatton Park.

The competition was a Team Stableford – best two scores from four to count off a 90-per-cent handicap.

Knutsford captain, Bob Sutton was proud his club had again been chosen to host the event.

The captain of the society, Brian Ashfield, thanked the captain and council of Knutsford Golf Club and invited the new captains to play in as many of the society events as they could manage.

He thanked Ian Michael for organising the day and starter Terry Jowett and the catering staff for the excellent food served.

The competition saw the new captains from three Mersey Valley clubs join forces with MDGC secretary John Campbell for a great winning haul of 46 points.

Next in with 43 points were Dave Sanders (MDGC), Barry Cooksey (Reddish Vale), Adrian Yeardley (Stamford) and Bernard Stone (MDGC).

The third spot went to Gerard Gaffey (MDGC), Derek Scoular (Bolton), Barry Wilson (Birchwood) and Adrian McCreavey (Stand).

There was only one two recorded – Adrian Hodges of Boysnope receiving six SMDGC logo golf balls.