Golf: Lothians do away double for first time

LOTHIANS completed a unique double in their annual friendly with Northumberland thanks to a strong singles showing at City of Newcastle.

The visitors won 9½-8½ to record successive away victories in the fixture for the first time.

Due to concerns about the weather for later in the day, it was agreed the match would start with 12 singles. That proved a good decision for Lothians as they emerged from the morning session with a 7½-4½ lead.

Allyn Dick set the tone by winning the top match, while further points were then delivered by Graham Robertson, Stephen Simants, Sean McGarvey, Keith Nicholson, Gary Corrigan and and Steven Armstrong. Stephen Simants also added a half.

In the foursomes, Graham Robertson and Stephen Simants recorded a convincing victory in match two, but, after McGarvey and Anthony Blaney lost the 18th by one hole, the overall score was tied at 8½-8½.

In the final match, Steven Armstrong holed a five-footer to win the 16th and go two up with team captain Keith Reilly.

And a solid par at the next was enough to give Lothians a narrow but nonetheless sweet victory.