Horrible weather today for the County Championship Final at Whitley Bay.

Phil Ridden had won the 17th and 18th to go into lunch 2 up after 18 holes.

Andrew Minnikin fought back early in the afternoon round, with some fine iron play, to win the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 6th to go 2 up.

Phil won the 10th after Andrew dropped a shot, but Andrew got it back to 2 up with a win on the 12th.

Next few holes were halved.

On the 16th both players pulled their tee shot into the left rough: Phil chopped out sideways then hit the green in 3: Andrew pitched to about 6 feet, after chopping out himself: advantage Andrew at this stage, but Phil's firm putt from 15 feet smacked the flag - in for 4: Andrew just missed his par putt, so the lead is cut to one.

Phil hit the par 3 17th green: Andrew missing left leaving a difficult chip which he played nicely to about 5 feet: Phil rolled up stiff for a gimmie 3, Andrew again just missed his putt: All square!

Both hit good drives down the last: Phil was just short in 2, Andrew in the greenside bunker: Phil played a nice chip to about 3 feet, Andrew followed with a great bunker shot for a gimmie birdie 4: Phil holed out to take the match up the 37th hole.

Phil short in 2, hit his pitch to the green 12 feet short of the flag, Andrew putted from just off the green to about 3 feet: Phil unfortunately just missed his birdie putt, leaving Andrew to hole out for the win.

Well done to both players: not sure how many finals have been contested by team mates.

Congratulations to Andrew on winning his 3rd County Championship!

Geoff Davison

Men's Captain