Melling’s men make mark in cup final

GOLF: ROYTON and Crompton crowned their first season back in the Oldham and District Golf League by lifting the Knock-out Cup.

Their ‘A’ team claimed the honours in a hard-fought 3-2 win over Werneth ‘A’ in a final played at Blackley.

Gary Melling’s Royton team got out of the blocks well and looked in control at the turn but Mark Abbott’s men suddenly started to pick up hole wins and as the matches went through the 15th it was nip and tuck.

As it turned out R&C delivered with Melling and Andy Allen seeing off Michael Farrimond and Jonathan Wilde (2&1), Mike Shaw and Jason Webster beating Abbott and John Suttie (3&2) and father and son pairing Mark and Stuart Bennett sealing victory on the final green against Paul Rowbotham and Pete Griffin.

For Werneth, Lee Rowbotham and an inspired James Buckley came from three down after four to claim the scalp of Royton pro Martin Beaty and Gary McHugh (2&1) and Jack Suttie and Steve McNamara beat James and Andy Frizzell (1up).