Davitt Walsh led his Junior Scratch team to an epic play-off win over North West GC on Saturday afternoon following a titanic struggle that involved a pair of lengthy play-offs.
After taking two matches home from Lisfannon last Sunday, courtesy of Eamonn McConigley & Daniel Shields, the Portsalon side trailed 3-2 from the first leg.
At home on Saturday afternoon there were wins for Kevin Hensey, Sean Forbes and Paddy McGowan that got Portsalon within sight of the winning post.
Daniel Shields was edged out on the 17th green and team captain Davitt – stepping into the side at the 11th hour after an ink-related absence – finished all square after 18 holes in his joust with John Quigley.
With no half matches, the pair headed back out to find a winner and it was North West that claimed the match on the sixth playoff hole after a battle to the brink.
That left the tie all square at 5-5, calling for another playoff.
After one playoff that went deep into extra holes, few expected another nail-biting marathon but that’s exactly what was served up as Kevin Hensey and Barry Murphy went to a fifth playoff hole.
On the par-three 5th hole, with his teammates, captain and supporters assembled in the fading light, it was Kevin Hensey that holed out under pressure to claim the victory.
A superb battling win for Portsalon under maximum pressure and commiserations to North West GC and their team on a tense and slender loss. Credit to both teams for such a fine display under pressure.
Portsalon progress and will face Dunfanaghy in the next round as they bid to reclaim a title last won in 2024.
Team News
Sean Barrett’s Minor League team journey across the Harry Blaney Bridge to take on Rosapenna on Friday evening last and took home a commendable 2.5 matches from the five on offer, with Portsalon up by four holes. The return clash is in Portsalon on Saturday June 6 at 3.30pm.
Joe Coyle led his Junior Cup team to qualifying in Omagh on Sunday afternoon. Jack Friel, Davitt Walsh, Dermot Shields, Johnny Shields and DP Logue represented the club but, unfortunately, they were not able to make the knockouts this time around.
Club Results
Saturday May 30
Winner: Ciaran McFadden (10) – 41 pts BOT
Runner-up: Alan O’Doherty (10) – 41 pts
Gross: Jamie Foley (1) – 33 gross pts
Third: John Shields (14) – 40 pts
Sunday May 31
Winner: Finian Ferry (23) – 43 pts
Runner-up: Brian O’Reilly (29) – 42 pts
Gross Ryan McGettigan (+1) – 36 gross pts