The 2009 campaign is coming into the home straight with last years gents finalists Cochrane Castle making head way on Erskine after week 9. A defeat at Kilmacolm for Erskine and a victory at Ralston for Cochrane Castle saw Cochrane Castle leapfrog over Erskine to lead into the final week by 2 points. Third placed Paisley could also snatch the top spot if they win away to Erskine and Kilmacolm beat Cochrane Castle.
Gents League B is finely poised with Ranfurly Castle and Greenock jostling for the top spot with one game to play. Greenock and Ranfurly Castle meet head to end in an end of season clincher where the winner takes the play off slot
Cochrane Castle's victory also ensures that Old Ranfurly will not retain the wooden spoon this year. Ralston are 4 points behind Caldwell in the battle for bottom place.
In the Junior League Ralston have secured their play off place when Kilmacolm could only manage a draw against Erskine leaving Kilmacolm 17 points adrift of Ralston with one game left. Their opponents could be Ranfurly Castle, Greenock or Renfrew again in a very tight fight for the top spot.
This years play off location will be Elderslie Golf Club who are celebrating the Centenary. The final will be on Monday 13th July starting at 4.45pm.
Paisley and Ranfurly Castle
Newton Shield Champions 2008
The Paisley and District Newton Shield finals were played at Erskine Golf Club on Friday 11th July.
The Gents final brought together Paisley and Cochrane Castle with 24 Newton Shield Championships between them. From the onset the Paisley team looked the stronger of the two with the majority of the matches being in Paisley’s favour by the half way stage.
With a stiff breeze blowing off the Clyde the long and tough back nine has been known to turn any game round and Cochrane Castle did fight back however Paisley remained strong.
First up with victories were David Ferguson and Scott Ferguson who defeated David Roberts and Stuart Robertson respectively. Jim Smart was then made it three points for Paisley with a convincing 3&2 defeat of Kenny Fairbrother. Cochrane Castle then put a point on the board with Club Champion Derek Anderson beating Gary Price by a single hole. Andrew McAlpine had a chance to take another point for Cochrane Castle however after 3 putting the 18th he had to settle for a half against Chris Guthrie. Chris Conroy had another close victory over the “Ian Poulter” of the Castle Alex Farmer when their game went onto the 18th with Chris taking the points to make it 4½ to 1½ to Paisley to take the title. The last two games were shared between the teams with Alister Miller giving a point to the Castle by defeating Jim Fraser and finally Graham Fleming defeating Paul Muir.
Final Result Paisley 5 ½ , Cochrane Castle 2½.
The Junior final seen defending champions Greenock facing Ranfurly Castle in a re-run of the 2007 final. Both teams had provided some impressive results so the 2008 final was guaranteed to be a tight fought contest.
Ranfurly Castle posted the first points when Sam Binning beat Gordon Leith 5&4. Younger brother Jamie then followed in his brother’s footsteps with a victory over fellow RGU player Daniel Fitzpatrick by 6&5. Greenock then clawed back with Graham Forbes beating Calum Whiteford and then posted another point on the board with Mark Scanlon beating Andrew Cunninghame. In the last game the third of the Binning trilogy Tom, beat good friend Gareth Caldwell 3 & 2 which left Ranfurly Castle requiring a half point to secure their first Championship since 1994. As Tom was shaking hands on the 16th green Alex McGregor and Greg Paterson were battling on the 17th green ahead where the half point was already secured, however the full point was won with an impressive birdie on 18 from Greg.
The 4 - 2 result was a complete reverse of the 2007 final.
Not to forget the other competions contested during the League campaign - the dreaded Wooden Spoon. This trophy also went down the wire during the league campaign however the trophy has been awarded to Old Ranfurly GC. The Lexwell Trophy played in conjunction with Elderslie GC had to be re-scheduled due to the weather however the 2008 winners are Renfrew Golf Club
