The final of the 2019 event was played on Saturday 2nd November, between Kilspindie and Longniddry. By mutual consent, the venue was Kilspindie. The format was double foursomes aggregate matchplay. The first Match was played off scratch and the second Match was played off handicap. Kilspindie’s Team comprised Aaron Hall and James Wood, and Callum Kenneally and Jake Johnston. Longniddry fielded two pairs of brothers, Euan and Neil Canavan in the scratch Match, followed by Ryan and Jamie Gallagher in the handicap Match. Scoring was good on the excellent Kilspindie course and both Matches went to the last hole. In the Scratch Match both pairs eagled the 12th hole with 2s, both birdied the 17 with 3s, and they came to the last hole with Kilspindie leading by 2 up, and that hole was halved. In the handicap Match, Longniddry were leading by 1 hole on the final tee, and both Teams drove well left of the green. In fact, Jamie hit it so far left, he put Ryan in the bunker on the right of the 16th Fairway! Ryan hit an incredible shot over the 17th fairway, and over two green-side bunkers, to 25 feet. Jake hit Kilspindie’s 2nd over the green, just short of the OOB. They took 3 more strokes to finish the hole whilst Longniddry two putted to go 2 up and level the Matches on aggregate. Extra holes were then needed. Aaron and James won the 1st with a par 3, but in the second Match, Ryan holed a 5 footer for par to win the hole with Jamie to prolong the Match. At the 2nd hole, a par 5, Euan and Neil made a birdie 4 to win the hole. Because Ryan and Jamie were in receipt of a handicap stroke at the 2nd hole, their 6 net 5 halved the hole with Callum and Jake. So Longniddry emerged at the 20th hole as winners, thus halting Kilspindie’s unique attempt to win 3 titles in a row. Many thanks are due to Kilspindie for hosting the event, and to Captain Mike Mitchell for presenting the trophy. All Team members in the final received prize vouchers including Mollaidh Nicholson and Freya Constable who had represented Kilspindie in earlier rounds.
Kilspindie had been the victors in an outstandingly exciting semi-final match against League Champions Craigielaw, also at Kilspindie. Scores were tied after 18 holes, so both matches, all 8 Players, had to play on until a clear winner emerged. This took an amazing 6 extra holes to decide. Well done to the winners, James Wood and Callum Kenneally, in the scratch match, and to Jake Johnston and Mollaidh Nicholson in the handicap match. Their opponents were Malachy Hayward and Lewis Irvine, and Ryan and Daryl Yuill. West Links gave a walkover in the other semi final.
Pictured below with the trophy are the Longniddry Team. Front L-R Neil and Euan Canavan, Ryan and Jamie Gallagher. Proud parents at the back – Junior Convenor David Canavan, and supporter Gillian Gallagher.
The Kilspindie Team, L-R, Chris Stirling Junior Convenor, Callum Kenneally, James Wood, Jake Johnston, Aaron Hall, and Club Captain Mike Mitchell who presented the prizes.