Stoke leave it late to secure cup win

By Tony Garnett

STOKE by Nayland battled from the jaws of defeat to beat Felixstowe Ferry by three holes in an exciting final of the Tolly Cobbold Cup at Woodbridge.

Stoke by Nayland team captain Steve Clark said: “I thought we would be going in to lunch at least four down until the final few holes.

“Then it wasn't until the 13th hole in the afternoon that it looked as though we might win.”

As it turned out Stoke were one up after the first round and had their noses in front at the end despite an eight-hole win on the day for Felixstowe veteran Chris Pearson and Mike Thomas, whose short game was on song.

Roger Toone and Simon Larking were seven down after their first 14 holes before steadying the ship.

Stoke secretary Mike Verhelst and junior organiser Gerry Day had a five-hole success in the morning but were held in the afternoon by John Harrall and Glen Smart.

There was a time when Mark Summers and Ian Donachy were four down but they rallied well to win by two in the end when the pressure was at its greatest.

Gary Borthwick and Duncan Hyams produced a strong finish for Stoke, who showed a never-say-die spirit after trailing after 27 holes.

Stoke enjoyed a well deserved triumph in a competition for players with a handicap of 10 or more.

Felixstowe team captain Trevor Mason said: “All credit to Stoke, they played well.”

Tolly Cobbold Cup final scores

Stoke by Nayland beat Felixstowe Ferry by three holes

At Woodbridge.

Stoke names first.

Morning scores in brackets.

Roger Toone and Simon Larking (0) 0 Chris Pearson and Mike Thomas (7) 8.

Mike Verhelst and Gerry Day (5) 5 John Harrall and Glen Smart (0) 0.

Gary Borthwick and Duncan Hyams (1) 4 Greg Rice and Mick Haddoch (0) 0.

Mark Summers and Ian Donachy (2) 2 Graham Cook and Chris Cook (0) 0.