Sale Win Bell Cup Thriller

THE MDLGA Bell Cup final produced all the drama of team match-play in an enthralling final at a superbly presented and challenging Houldsworth course.

Houldsworth is enjoying its Centenary season and with their stalwart Pam Wiseley as the MDLGA President they were great hosts on a perfect day for golf.

The morning semi-finals saw Sale and Hale go through for a real Trafford derby after they had beaten Davenport and Harwood respectively by 4-3.

Cheshire’s Cath Rawthore got Sale off to a winning start but had to wait for victory on the 17^th as Hale’s Tiffany Fielden pressed her all the way in a close contest.

All eyes were now on the final match between Sale’s Jane Ashcroft and Gillian Brogdon which was level after 15 holes.

A great chip for par on 16 saw Jane go one up but Gillian showed her battling qualities to level on the 17^th to set up a nerve-jangling 18^th hole.

Gillian’s tee shot unfortunately found a water hazard giving Jane the edge as she reached to front of the 18^th green where a solid chip and two putts were enough to set off wild celebrations from her team mates and supporters with the champagne flowing freely.

Sale Lady Captain Barbara Wetton paid tribute to the Hale team’s sportsmanship and quality of golf to make this a day to remember for both teams, for her own team and caddies who had worked so hard to reach this stage and also thanked the MDLGA officers and Houldsworth Golf Club for their expert organisation of the top ladies club team knock out in the region involving well over 80 clubs.