SALE golfers picked up another title when they won the Mersey Bowl competition at Didsbury Golf Club.

The hosts were looking to defend their crown they won in Chorlton last year against more than 100 players from Chorlton, Sale, Northenden and Withington Golf Clubs.

But Sale set the pace as they looked to follow up their victory in the Mersey Ladies' Shield a few weeks previously

The top five scores from each team provide the winning aggregate and Sale were given a great start by Mike Smith and Moira Forster with a top score of 40 points.

They were given solid backing by David Carlile and Sonia McCann, and captain Terry Crewe and lady captain Jenny Page, with 38 points each and victory was sealed as Steve and Pam Thomas (35) and Mobi Rawthore and Caroline Croxton (34) took them to an impressive winning total of 185.

Their total was seven clear of Withington, who had Paul Lilley and Marie McNeill as their top scorers with 38 points.

Didsbury were third with 173, their top score by Mike Bell and Bev Hopcutt with 38.

Chorlton were fourth on 162, top score by Daniel Castille and Gerry Gee on 34, and Northenden fifth on 161 with a top score by Graham and Ann Culpan of 35.

A great day on an excellent course, blessed by good weather with a superb social atmosphere après golf which is a proud and long-standing tradition in the Mersey Valley competitions.