AYRSHIRE MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP - Strokeplay Champion ousted in round 1

Newly crowned Ayrshire Strokeplay Champion Tommy McInally (Loudoun) fell at the first hurdle in the 2010 Ayrshire Matchplay Championship, being held this week at Western Gailes Golf Club, when he was defeated 4 & 3 by the 2008 Strokeplay Champion John Shanks (Irvine) on Monday evening.

In the quarter finals on Tuesday night, John Shanks will face clubmate Steven Spence (Irvine) who fought back on Monday night from two down with three to play to win on the final green against fellow Irvine member Mark Anderson.

2008 Matchplay Champion Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle) secured a place in the last eight with a 3 & 2 win over Chris Bone (Loudoun) and will now play Graeme Gimson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) on Tuesday after Gimson edged through by one hole in his first round match against Irvine Ravenspark Club Champion Gary Cochran.

In the bottom half of the draw, Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) saw off the challenge of Walter Meiklem (Troon Welbeck) by 4 & 3 and now faces Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck) who cruised into the quarter finals with a 5 & 4 win over Iain McDonald (Largs).

The last quarter final will be between Scott Gilchrist (Loudoun), a 5 & 4 winner over Steven Murray (Troon Welbeck) in the first round, and Gordon Boyle (Ayr Dalmilling) who beat Stephen McBlain (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) by 2 & 1 to secure his place in the last eight.

Quarter and semi Final matches continue on Tuesday and Wednesday night with the final scheduled to be played on Thursday evening with a 5.00 p.m. tee off.

RESULTS

Tommy McInally (Loudoun) lost to John Shanks (Irvine) by 4&3
Mark Anderson (Irvine) lost to Stephen Spence (Irvine) by 1 hole
Chris Bone (Loudoun) lost to Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle) by 3&2
Graeme Gimson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) beat Gary Cochran (Irvine Ravenspark) by 1 hole
Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat Walter Meiklem (Troon Welbeck) by 4&3
Iain McDonald (Largs) lost to Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck) by 5&4
Scott Gilchrist (Loudoun) beat Steven Murray (Troon Welbeck) by 5&4
Stephen McBlain (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) lost to Gordon Boyle (Ayr Dalmilling) by 2&1

QUARTER FINAL MATCHES

John Shanks (Irvine) Vs. Stephen Spence (Irvine)
Craig Hamilton (Ballochmyle) Vs. Graeme Gimson (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)
Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) Vs. Marc Smith (Troon Welbeck)
Scott Gilchrist (Loudoun) Vs. Gordon Boyle (Ayr Dalmilling)