Semi-final showdowns go to form

GOLF:

ALL four divisional winners have booked their places in the Oldham Golf League play-off finals.

The winners of the East and West divisions were rewarded for their season-long superiority with home advantage in the semi-finals as they faced the runners-up from the other division.

And they were all able to make the most of that edge.

Werneth ‘A’ still have eyes on a league and cup double after a 7-1 win over Brookdale and they now meet North Manchester, who beat Dukinfield by the same scoreline. That final takes place at Dukinfield tomorrow.

In the ‘B’ League, the hopes that a club could have representation in both finals did not materialise as both North and Werneth were beaten at Blackley and Denton respectively.

North came close to causing an upset, losing 5-3. Werneth were soundly beaten 7-1 but, having been wooden spoon winners in three of the last four seasons, making the play-offs was a considerable achievement for captain Dave Whittingham.

Their conquerors, Denton, now face Blackley tonight in the ‘B’ League final at Werneth.

Ashton ‘B’ have reached the final of the Knock-out Plate after a 4-1 win over Stamford ‘B’, but they must wait to find out their opponents as the Blackley ‘A’ v Dukinfield ‘A’ last-four clash was postponed due to Dukinfield’s involvement in the league play-offs.