HINDLEY Hall ended a 17-year wait to become Bolton champions when they clinched the BGA league title on Sunday.

They beat favourites Old Links 6-2 to win the league which is sponsored by Bank Top Brewery.

Old Links never managed to get a foothold on the final as they were down early in most matches at Deane Golf Club.

Kenny Finch secured the first point of the day for Hindley with a 2&1 victory over Neil Williams in the first match.

Hindley’s Phil Millward battled to the end despite being two down with two to play, and his persistence paid off as he salvaged a half after James Whitworth three-putted the last green.

In the mid-matches both Dan Buckingham and Nick Hibbs of Hindley Hall smashed their way to 5&4 and 4&3 victories, respectively, against opponents David Marsh and Michael Tunstall.

These matches turned the tide for Hindley who, despite Karl Bowker’s 4&2 win against Jason Sleigh claiming Old Links' first full point of the match, the last three games were looking good for Hindley Hall.

Old Links' Steve Bryan was two down with four to play against Chris Lowe but managed to win the 15th and 16th to level the match and give Old Links hope.

However, it was not to be for him or his team as Lowe hit back by winning the 17th to go one up and ensure Hindley could not be beaten.

Peter Finch closed out a 2&1 win against Aaron Watkinson in the penultimate tie, with the last game between top players from both teams – Liam Ball of Hindley Hall and Aaron Harper of Old Links.

Harper was one down after 15 holes against the former BGA champion but won the 16th and 17th and lost the last hole to finish all square.

BGA president Geoff Hulme presented the trophy to Hindley team captain Nigel Bate who said: “It was a great win for us, being the underdogs.

“I am grateful to all my players who have played their part throughout the season to get us to the final.”