BOLTON Golf Association were desperate to atone for their recent defeat against Lancashire when they hosted the Sheffield Union of Golf Clubs at Chorley last Sunday in the annual match against their Yorkshire rivals. Despite strong winds, it was a better performance, but the strong Sheffield side still managed to take the honours 11–7 despite a stirling performance by Bolton’s tail end singles.

The match was virtually sealed for Sheffield after the morning foursomes when the Tykes led 4½-1½. Local players Andy Palmer and Simon McNab just failed in the top match losing by one hole before Liam Ball and reigning BGA junior champion, Tom Bromilow, claimed the first Bolton point with a 3&2 win and a half from Latham and Marsh left the home side trailing by three points at lunch.

In the afternoon singles both Palmer and Ball managed to secure a half against Sam Young and Tom Perry in the two top matches but the next three all went to Sheffield.

Bolton’s Tim Cooper started a spirited fightback beating Nathan Rogers 3&2 and the tail-end contest went Bolton’s way with wins from Mark Latham (3&1), Dave Monks (1 up), Dave Marsh (1 up) with Rob Middleton gaining a half point against Sheffield stalwart Shaun Tarplett in the last match.