Results from the Regional Final at Pannal GC, 17 September 2008

Pannal was the venue for the second time for the northern Regional Final. The club’s Vice-Captain looked in to greet the players early in the morning and told them that the course was playing long after a lot of rain in the previous fortnight. He was spot on, with little roll on the ball on any surface and the course played its full 6400 yards. Despite the soft conditions, the course was at its customary high standard and all players enjoyed the day in dry weather.

The player to hit the longest drive was Andrew Caygill of Cleckheaton RFC. Nearest the Pin was won by Mike Brennand of Fylde RFC. The top scoring pair were Kevin Chapple and Peter Storey of Seaton Carew RFC with an amazing 43 points (on count back from Messrs Umpleby & Kelly of Cleckheation RFC).

Third place on the day was taken by Yarnbury RFC with 74 points, who won Wooden Spoon umbrellas and a RAM match ball and kicking tee for their club. Second prize went to Pontefract RFC with 75 points who won Wooden Spoon feather bags and 2 RAM balls & tees for their club. The winners were Cleckheaton RFC Team 2 with a very creditable 83 points. Messrs Umpleby, Kelly, Rothera & Caygill went home with 3 RAM match balls & tees for their club and Wooden Spoon’s new Callaway sports bag each for themselves.

The top three teams qualified for the National Final at Walton Heath GC on Friday 17 October together with Cleckheaton’s Team 1.

Michael Liffey of Sandal RFC carried off the case of Laithwaites wine in the raffle.

Thank you to all who participated and good luck to those in the National Final. The last winner from the north was only two years ago when Tony Rennison’s team from Bradford Salem RFC carried off the National title. Can the north prevail again in 2008?