SCOTTISH AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - 6 Ayrshire players from 10 gain round 2 places from first day play

Of the 10 Ayrshire players in action on the first day of the 2006 Scottish Amateur Championship at Nairn on Monday, six survived the first test to progress to the second round.

In the early matches, John Cairney (Irvine Ravenspark) lost to Chris Lawton (Stirling) at the 20th whilst David McCaig (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost out to Lee Vettese (Nigg Bay) by 5 & 3

Michael Smyth (Royal Troon) also crashed out at the first hurdle, losing 2 & 1 to Clark Riddick (Dumfries & Galloway).

The first Ayrshire player to progress to round 2 was David Addison (Kilmarnock Barassie). The former boys internationalist beat Richard Hyland (Newmacher) by 3 & 2 and now faces Stephen Clark (Haggs Castle) in round 2.

Andrew Brown (West Kilbride) beat Alasdair McDonald (Craigie Hill) by 3 & 2 in round 1 and now faces a stiff test against the defending champion, GlennCampbell (Blairgowrie), in the second round.

The Kilmarnock Barassie contingent performed well in the other first round matches on Monday.

Steven McEwan beat Blair Paterson (Stirling) by 3 & 2 and now plays Chris Baron (Oldmeldrum), Robert McKnight beat Barrie Edmond (Bonn Accord) at the 20th to secure a second round match against Michael Buchan (Cruden Bay) and Ross Dixon won by 2 & 1 against Joe Lockie (Tantallon) to set up a second round tie against Andrew Weir (Montrose Merchantile).

The remaining Ayrshire player who won through to the second round was David Strachan (Turnberry) who beat Phil Dempsey (Alloa) at the 20th. Strachan now plays Steven Robertson (Sandyhills) in round 2.

The final Ayrshire player featuring in the first days play was George Robertson (Irvine Ravenspark) who went down by 3 & 2 to rising star Zack Saltman (Craigielaw).

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Caprington grab 4th semi final place

Caprington have secured the last semi final place in the 2006 Ayrshire Junior Golf League with a 3.5 - 2.5 home win over Troon St. Meddans in their final section match.

AYRSHIRE BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP DRAW - Mackay returns to defend title

53 of the best young golfers in Ayrshire will contest the 55th annual Ayrshire Boys Golf Championship, over 36 holes, at Largs Golf Club on Thursday 3rd August.

Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie) returns to defend the title he won 12 months ago at Prestwick St. Nicholas. One of Mackay's main challengers for his title will be another former champion, Scottish Boys internationalist Cameron Gray (West Kilbride).

The draw for the championship is :-

0900 & 1400 - Josh Nordbo (Largs) (8) & Grant Weir (West Kilbride) (8)
0907 & 1407 - Callum Crowe (Kilbirnie) (6), Michael Roos (West Kilbride) (4), Callum Mills (Arabian Ranches, Dubai) (6)
0914 & 1414 - Thomas Gaunt (Kilmarnock Barassie) (9), David McLellan (Largs) (11), Ross De Courcy (West Kilbride) (9)
0921 & 1421 - John Shanks (Ardeer) (2), Fraser Lawrie (Largs) (3), Stuart Henderson (Kilmarnock Barassie) (1)
0928 & 1428 - Cameron Gray (West Kilbride) (0), Jamie Mackay (Holder - Kilmarnock Barassie) (0), Andrew Abercrombie (Largs) (4)
0935 & 1435 - Stephen McConnell (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) (6), Jason Butler (Ravenspark) (6), Adam Sweeney (Largs Routenburn) (7)
0942 & 1442 - David Brown (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) (10), Allan Todd (Belleisle) (9), Kieran Howie (West Kilbride) (9)
0949 & 1449 - Matthew Skeoch (Troon Welbeck) (5), Andrew Miller (Prestwick St. Cuthbert) (5), Rory Acheson (Largs) (5)
1000 & 1500 - Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) (1), Paul Robinson (Largs) (4), Adam Foley (Belleisle) (5)
1007 & 1507 - Sam Baird (Kilmarnock Barassie) (6), Murray McBride (Belleisle) (7), Davie Meechan (Ravenspark) (8)
1014 & 1514 - Martin Ronald (Ravenspark) (10), Jonathon Nicol (Largs) (10), Callum Stewart (Belleisle) (10)
1021 & 1521 - Robbie Gemmill (KIlmarnock Barassie) (8), Stuart Muir (Troon Welbeck) (6), David McLachlan (Royal Troon) (7)
1028 & 1528 - Kyle Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie) (1), Craig McLaughlin (Largs) (2), Scott Brown (Girvan) (5)
1035 & 1535 - Chris Butler (Ravenspark) (8), Alan Bruce (Kilmarnock Barassie) (5), Colin Robinson (Largs) (5)
1042 & 1542 - Callum Robb (Ravenspark) (8), Scott Clark (Belleisle) (8), Jared Williams (Troon St. Meddans) (8)
1049 & 1549 - Sam McCalla (Brodick) (12), Scott davis (Largs Routenburn) (12), Craig Hessett (Belleisle) (11)
1100 & 1600 - Malcolm Pennycott (Whiting Bay) (2), david Currie (Kilmarnock Barassie) (2), Jamie Achison (Largs) (4)
1107 & 1607 - Alan Jeffrey (Machrie Bay) (8), Euan Evans (Lamlash) (8), Adam Arnott (Kilbirnie) (11)

The players returning the 8 best scratch aggregate scores over the two rounds of the championship will progress to contest the Ayrshire Boys Matchplay Championship at Prestwick Golf Club from 10th to 12th August.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Summer League latest

With Caprington and Irvine (Bogside) already through to the semi finals, the chase for the semi final places from Leagues 1 & 2 are very close.

In LEAGUE 1 Turnberry renewed their hopes with a 6 - 0 home win over Moorpark whilst their nearest challengers, West Kilbride suffered a 4 - 2 defeat at Tam O Shanter.

Turnberry and West Kilbride are now locked at the top of the section on 12 points and are due to meet at West Kilbride in the final match of the section next month. A draw in the final match will be sufficient to give Turnberry the semi final place whilst West Kilbride need a win to go through.

In LEAGUE 2 Annanhill maintained their slim hopes after defeating St. Meddans 6 - 0 in their latest match.

with only two matches remaining to be played, Ballochmyle lead the section on 16 points with Annanhill in second place on 12.

Annanhill require to win their final match at Troon Welbeck by a considerable margin and hope that Ballochmyle slip up at Troon St. Meddans if they are to progress, whilst Ballochmyle need only a draw to ensure qualification.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Champion Of Champions semi final lineup completed

Warren Blair (Troon St. Meddans) took the fourth and final semi final place in the 2006 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions Trophy competition with a 3 & 2 home win over Chris Harkins (Ayr Belleisle) in the quarter finals.

The semi finals of the competition will be held on

Friday 4th August at Royal Troon.

Henry Thomson (Irvine) will meet Colin Craig (Troon Welbeck) in the first semi final, at 5.00 p.m.

Brian Moore (Largs) will contest the second semi final against Warren Blair (Troon St. Meddans) at 5.15 p.m.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Championship latest

With Ballochmyle, Ayr Belleisle and Loudoun already qualified from sections A, C & D respectively, the focus turns to who will join them in the semi finals, from section B.

In Section B, Prestwick St. Nicholas ended Troon St. Meddans' slim hopes of snatching a place in the semi final, defeating their visitors by 3.5 - 2.5 in the latest match.

St. Meddans still however hold the key to the section, with Caprington and Kilbirnie both still due to travel to Troon to meet St. Meddans.

Caprington require at least a draw to ensure qualification whilst Kilbirnie can snatch the semi final spot with a win, should Caprington slip up in thier final match.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - West Kilbride open with win

West Kilbride, finalists in the 2005 competition, opened their 2006 Wallace Thornton Trophy campaign with a 4 - 0 whitewash of visitors Troon Welbeck, in their first tie in qualifying section 2.

Remaining qualifying section matches will take place before the end of August, with the winners of both sections contesting the final.

STEVEN McEWAN (Caprington) - on course to defend Junior Champion Of Champions title. 

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Mcewan remains on course to defend Champion Of Champions

Steven McEwan (Caprington) remains on course to defend the AJGL Champion Of Champions Trophy which he won last year whilst representing Kilmarnock Barassie.

McEwan secured a place in the semi finals on his visit to meet Callum Crowe at Kilbirnie, but was pushed all the way before winning the match at the 19th.

McEwan now plays Ayrshire Boys Champion Jamie Mackay in the penultimate round, at Kilmarnock Barassie.

The other semi final features Mark Tait (Annanhill) who plays host to Adam Sweeney (Largs Routenburn).

Semi final ties are due to be completed by 31st August.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - two more join Moore in Champion Of Champions semi finals

Two more players have booked their places, alongside Brian Moore (Largs) in the semi finals of the 2006 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions competition.

Henry Thomson (Irvine) travelled to meet John Shanks (Ardeer) in the quarter finals, and edged through at the third extra hole in a tight match.

Also through to the last four is Colin Craig (Troon Welbeck) who ended the hopes of rising star, Malcolm Pennycott (Corrie), with a 6 & 4 win.

The semi finals of the competition will be held on Friday 4th August at Royal Troon.

Henry Thomson (Irvine) will meet Colin Craig (Troon Welbeck) in the first semi final, at 5.00 p.m..

Brian Moore (Largs) will contest the second semi final at 5.15 p.m., against the winner of the quarter final tie between Warren Blair (Troon St. Meddans) and Chris Harkins (Ayr Belleisle).

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - two more League Championship semi finalists decided

Two more semi fialists in the 2006 Ayrshire Junior Golf League Championship have been decided after the recent series of matches, with Ayr Belleisle and Loudoun joining Ballochmyle in the last four.

In Section A, with Ballochmyle already through, Ardeer signed off with a 5 - 1 home win over Annanhill.

With only the Ballochmyle Vs. Beith tie remaining to be played, present positions are :-

TEAM/P/W/D/L/F/A/Dif/Pts

BALLOCHMYLE/7/4/3/0/26/16/+10/22
ANNANHILL/8/3/2/3/23/25/-2/16
TROON WELBECK/8/2/1/5/18/30/-12/10
ARDEER/8/3/1/4/25.5/22.5/+3/14
BEITH/7/3/1/3/21.5/20.5/+1/14

In Section B, Kilbirnie's hopes were dented with a 5.5 - 0.5 defeat at Prestwick St. Nicholas, but the Kilbirnie side bounced back with a 4.5 - 1.5 win at home against Caprington.

Troon St. Meddans, beitng the only side who can overtake Caprington at the top, now hold the key to the section with three away matches remaining, including ties against both Kilbirnie and Caprington as well as Prestwick St. Nicholas.

Present positions in the section are :-

TEAM/P/W/D/L/F/A/Dif/Pts

CAPRINGTON/7/3/3/1/25.5/16.5/+9/18
PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT/8/3/3/2/24/24/0/18
KILBIRNIE PLACE/7/4/0/3/18/24/-6/16
PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS/7/1/3/3/21/21/0/10
TROON ST. MEDDANS/5/0/3/2/13.5/16.5/-3/6

In Section C, Ayr Belleisle completed the section with home wins by 5.5 - 0.5 and 4.5 - 1.5 against Largs Routenburn and Largs respectively to establish themselves at the top of the table and take the semi final spot.

Final positions in section C were :-

TEAM/P/W/D/L/F/A/Dif/Pts

AYR BELLEISLE/6/5/0/1/24/12/+12/20
LARGS/6/3/1/2/17.5/18.5/-1/14
KILMARNOCK BARASSIE/6/2/1/3/19/17/+2/10
LARGS ROUTENBURN/6/1/0/5/11.5/24.5/-13/4

In Section D, West Kilbride were the only team able to deny Loudoun a place in the semi final, but defeat by 4 - 2 at Ravenspark and a 3 - 3 draw at New Cumnock ended WestKIlbride's hopes of defending their title and handed the semi final spot to Loudoun.

With only the tie between West Kilbride and Ravenspark to be played, the present positions in Section D are :-

TEAM/P/W/D/L/F/A/Dif/Pts

LOUDOUN/6/4/1/1/22.5/13.5/+9/18
IRVINE RAVENSPARK/5/3/0/2/17/13/+4/12
WEST KILBRIDE/5/2/1/2/18.5/11.5/+7/10
NEW CUMNOCK/6/0/2/4/10/26/-16/4

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Ballochmyle secure semi final place in Under 16 event

Ballochmyle reached the last four of the 2006 Under 16 Knockout Trophy competition with a 3.5 - 0.5 home win over Loudoun in the quarter finals.

In the semi finals Ballochmyle travel to play defending champions Kilmarnock Barassie at Troon.

In the other semi final, the winner of the Prestwick St. Nicholas Vs. Largs Routenburn quarter final will play West Kilbride.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Kilmarnock Barassie open Wallace Thornton defence with win

Kilmarnock Barassie opened their defence of the Wallace Thornton Trophy with a 4 - 0 win at Prestwick St. Nicholas in the opening match in Section 1.

Qualifying section matches will continue until the end of August, with the winners of each section contesting the final in September.

JUNIOR ORDER OF MERIT - Brown takes the lead after 5 events

Euan Brown (Kilmarnock Barassie) leads the Ayrshire Golf Association junior order of merit after 5 events, taking over top spot from clubmate and defending champion Jamie Mackay after the last two events.

Brown gained the top spot with a second placing at the Troon Welbeck junior open and a win in the Pollock Trophy at his home club.

Kyle Smith (Kilmarnock Barassie) took first place in the Welbeck Open to ensure that the first 3 places in the order of merit feature Kilmarnock Barassie members at this stage.

Jamie Mackay kept in contention with a second place finish in the Welbeck Open


Players who secured points at the latest events were :-

Troon Welbeck Open

Kyle Smith - Kilmarnock Barassie - 100
Euan Brown - Kilmarnock Barassie - 75
Jamie Mackay - Kilmarnock Barassie - 50
Fraser Lawrie - Largs - 35
Andrew Miller - Prestwick St. Cuthbert - 20
Chris Butler - Irvine Ravenspark - 10
Adam Foley - Ayr Belleisle - 5

Pollock Trophy - Kilmarnock Barassie

Euan Brown - Kilmarnock Barassie - 100
Stuart Henderson - Kilmarnock Barassie - 75
David Currie - Kilmarnock Barassie - 50
Stephen McConnell - Prestwick St. Cuthbert - 35
Craig Hessett - Ayr Belleisle - 20
Gary Herbertson - Ballochmyle - 5

PRESENT STANDINGS IN THE ORDER OF MERIT AFTER 5 EVENTS ARE :-

185 - EUAN BROWN (Kilmarnock Barassie)
150 - JAMIE MACKAY (Kilmarnock Barassie)
100 - KYLE SMITH (Kilmarnock Barassie)
75 - STUART HENDERSON (Kilmarnock Barassie)
75 - SCOTT BROWN (Girvan)
50 - DAVID CURRIE (Kilmarnock Barassie)
50 - CAMERON GRAY (West Kilbride)
50 - JOHN SHANKS (Ardeer)
50 - MALCOLM PENNYCOTT (Whiting Bay)
35 - STEPHEN McCONNELL (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)
35 - FRASER LAWRIE (Largs)
35 - STEPHEN STAMPER (Girvan)
20 - ANDREW MILLER (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)
20 - CRAIG HESSETT (Ayr Belleisle)
20 - MARTIN RONALD (Irvine Ravenspark)
10 - CHRIS BUTLER (Irvine Ravenspark)
10 - KEIRAN BYRNE (New Cumnock)
5 - ALAN TODD (Ayr Belleisle)
5 - CRAIG TELFER (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)
5 - GARY HERBERTSON (Ballochmyle)
5 - ADAM FOLEY (Ayr Belleisle)

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - North Beach reach semi finals of Fourball Championship

The North Beach pairing of George Lyon & Jim Nimmo are the first to secure a semi final place in the 2006 Ayrshire Fourball competition.

The Prestwick pair reached the penultimate round with a 2 & 1 win on their visit to Kilmarnock (Barassie) to play Roger Thyne and Alastair Brown in the quarter finals

North Beach now await the winners of the Troon St. Meddans Vs. Ayr Belleisle quarter final tie.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Irvine secure summer league semi final place

Irvine Golf Club have secured a semi final place in the 2006 Ayrshire Golf Association Summer League after winning League 4.

Irvine now play Caprington, winners of League 3, in the two leg semi finals.

In Section 2, Ballochmyle took a grip of the section with a 6 – 0 home win over St. Meddans Present positions in section 2 are ;

CLUB/P/W/D/L/F/A/Pts
BALLOCHMYLE 5/3/2/0/20.5/9.5/+11/16
TROON WELBECK 5/2/1/2/16.5/13.5/+3/10
ANNANHILL 4/1/2/1/12.5/11.5/+1/8
ST. MEDDANS 4/0/1/3/4.5/19.5/-15/2

Outstanding fixtures in section 2 are :-

Annanhill V St. Meddans (16 July)
St. Meddans V Ballochmyle (23 July)
Welbeck V Annanhill (3 August)

In Section 4, Irvine (Bogside) secured a semi final spot with a 4 – 2 win at home to Loudoun.

Present positions in section 4 are :

CLUB/P/W/D/L/F/A/Pts
IRVINE (BOGSIDE) 4/2/2/0/14/10/+4/12
LOUDOUN 3/1/1/1/8.5/9.5/-1/6
KILMARNOCK (BARASSIE) 3/0/1/2/7.5/10.5/-3/2

The outstanding fixture in section 4 is :-

Loudoun V Kilmarnock Barassie (14 July)

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Ballochmyle take first League Championship semi final place

Ballochmyle are the first team through to the semi finals of the 2006 Ayrshire Junior Golf League Championship, gaining enough points over their first seven games to ensure top spot in section A.

Ballochmyle ensured top spot with 3 - 3 draws away to Ardeer and Beith, whilst closest rivals Annanhill had mixed fortunes with a 4.5 - 1.5 defeat at Beith and a 5 - 1 home win over Troon Welbeck.

with only Ardeer Vs. Annanhill and Ballochmyle Vs. Beith to be completed, present positions in Section A are :-

TEAM/P/W/D/L/F/A/Dif/Pts

BALLOCHMYLE/7/4/3/0/26/16/+10/22
ANNANHILL/7/3/2/2/22/20/+2/16
BEITH/7/3/1/3/21.5/20.5/+1/14
ARDEER/7/2/1/4/20.5/21.5/-1/10
TROON WELBECK/8/2/1/5/18/30/-12/10

In Section B, Caprington remain favourites, with a crunch game away to nearest rivals, Kilbirnie looking decisive.

In recent matches, Prestwick St. Nicholas had a good 3 - 3 draw away to St. Meddans, whilst in the two derby matches between the Prestwick clubs, St. Cuthbert just gained the advantage, drawing 3 - 3 at St. Nicholas and edging out their neighbours by 3.5 - 2.5 in the return.

There are 5 fixtures to be completed in section B - St. Nicholas Vs. Kilbirnie, Kilbirnie Vs. Caprington, St. Nicholas Vs. St. Meddans, Caprington Vs. St. Meddans & Kilbirnie Vs. St. Meddans.

With these five fixtures remaining, present positions are :-

TEAM/P/W/D/L/F/A/Dif/Pts

CAPRINGTON/6/3/3/0/24/12/+12/18
PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT/8/3/3/2/24/24/0/18
KILBIRNIE PLACE/5/3/0/2/13/17/-4/12
TROON ST. MEDDANS/5/0/3/2/13.5/16.5/-3/6
PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS/6/0/3/3/15.5/20.5/-5/6

In Section C, Largs remain just in front of Ayr Belleisle, with only two fixtures remaining, including a crunch match between the leading teams at Ayr. The remaining fixtures are :- Belleisle Vs. Routenburn & Belleisle Vs. Largs.

Present positions in Section C are :-

TEAM/P/W/D/L/F/A/Dif/Pts

LARGS/5/3/1/1/16/14/+2/14
AYR BELLEISLE/4/3/0/1/14/10/+4/12
KILMARNOCK BARASSIE/6/2/1/3/19/17/+2/10
LARGS ROUTENBURN/5/1/0/4/11/19/-8/4

In Section D, Loudoun extened their lead in their final match with a 4 - 2 win at Ravenspark, and now must wait to see if defending champions, West Kilbride can overhaul their total in the remaining three matches.

Fixtures remaining are :- Ravenspark Vs. West Kilbride, New Cumnock Vs. West KIlbride & West KIlbride Vs. Ravenspark

Present positions in Section D are :-

TEAM/P/W/D/L/F/A/Dif/Pts

LOUDOUN/6/3/1/1/22.5/13.5/+9/18
WEST KILBRIDE/3/2/0/1/11.5/6.5/+5/8
IRVINE RAVENSPARK/4/2/0/2/13/11/+2/8
NEW CUMNOCK/5//0/1/4/7/23/-16/2

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - Holders secure semi final place in Under 16 event

Holders Kilmarnock (Barassie) have reached the last four of the 2006 AJGL Under 16 Knockout competition after a 2.5 - 1.5 win away to Irvine Ravenspark in the Quarter Finals.

Barassie, who won the competition 12 months ago at Caprington, now face a home tie in the semi finals, against the winners of the Ballochmyle - Loudoun quarter final.

JUNIOR ORDER OF MERIT - Locals to the fore at Girvan

Local members were to the fore in the latest qualifying competition in the 2006 Ayrshire Junior Order Of Merit, the Grants Cup at Girvan.

Winner of the event was Kyle McClung from Wigtonshire County, but local members Scott Brown and Stephen Stamper secured second and fourth places respectively to notch up their first order of merit points.

Martin Ronald (Ravenspark), Keiran Byrne (New Cumnock) and Craig Telfer (St. Cuthbert) also gained order of merit points with top seven finises in the event.

Order of Merit placings, after 3 events, are :-

100 - JAMIE MACKAY (Kilmarnock Barassie)
75 - SCOTT BROWN (Girvan)
50 - CAMERON GRAY (West Kilbride)
50 - JOHN SHANKS (Ardeer)
50 - MALCOLM PENNYCOTT (Whiting Bay)
35 - STEPHEN STAMPER (Girvan)
20 - MARTIN RONALD (Irvine Ravenspark)
10 - EUAN BROWN (Kilmarnock Barassie)
10 - KEIRAN BYRNE (New Cumnock)
5 - ALAN TODD (Ayr Belleisle)
5 - CRAIG TELFER (Prestwick St. Cuthbert)

The Irvine (Bogside) team who won the 2006 Ayrshire Club Championship - Henry Thomson, Alex Gourlay & Alastair McFarlane  

AYRSHIRE CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP - Irvine (Bogside) edge out hosts to win title

Irvine (Bogside) won the Ayrshire Club Championship event at Ballochmyle on Sunday 9th July, edging out the host club by virtue of the best 4th score in a tense finish.

With two scratch scores from three counting for the team score, Irvine (Bogside) set the early pace with Henry Thomson (71) Alex Gourlay (73) and Alastair McFarlane (73) combining for a 144 team total.

Despite having only two players present, Kilmarnock (Barassie) mounted the first challenge to Irvine, David Evans returning the equal best score of the day with 70 and Nicky Sinclair returning 76 to leave Barassie two adrift on 146.

Prestwick St. Cuthbert fell one short of Irvine's total, a number of bogeys over the closing four holes proving costly for Stephen McBlain (73), Kevin Fergusson (74) and David Glass (72) who returned a team total of 145.

The last four holes also proved costly for Loudoun with Tommy McInally (72), Sammy Cox (74) & John Graham (79) falling two short of the mark on 146.

With holders Prestwick St. Nicholas unable to ovetake Irvine, despite an equal best of the day 70 by Gavin Lawrie, the only team left in contention was the host club, Ballochmyle.

With Tommy Loy returning a 1 over par 71 for the first score, the remaining two Ballochmyle players required a two over par 72 or better to snatch the title from Irvine.

Jim McMurdo had the first opportunity, a birdie two at the 17th taking him back to 2 over par for the round. Needing a par at the last for 72, McMurdo narrowly missed the final green to the right with his approach, and was unable to chip and put for his par, taking three to get down for a closing bogey 6 and a three over par return of 73.

Despite his disappointment, McMurdo's score gave Ballochmyle a team total of 144, to match Irvine.

In the final match on the course, Dougie McKinnon also had a birdie two at the 17th to take him back to 2 over par for the round, but penalty shots incurred after driving out of bounds at the last cost him a triple bogey on the final hole for a round of 75.

The drama of the final two matches allowed Irvine to take the title by virtue of the best third score.

Final team positions were :-

144 - IRVINE (BOGSIDE) - H. Thomson (71) A. Gourlay (73) A. Mcfarlane (73)
144 - BALLOCHMYLE - T. Loy (71) J. McMurdo (73) D. McKinnon (75)
145 - PRESTWICK ST. CUTHBERT - D. Glass (72) S. McBlain (73) K. Fergusson (74)
146 - LOUDOUN - T. McInally (72) S. Cox (74) J. Graham (79)
146 - KILMARNOCK (BARASSIE) - D. Evans (70) N. Sinclair (76)
148 - PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS - G. Lawrie (70) A. Belford (78) G. Paterson (79)
151 - LARGS - J. Callaghan (75) B. Fisher (76) C. Kerr (78)
159 - TAM O SHANTER - J. Sloan (78) K. Russell (81) N. Tindall (N/R)
164 - NEW CUMNOCK - D. Bryson (78) T. Keddie (86) N. McCormack (N/R)
--- - IRVINE RAVENSPARK - J. Cairney (72) G. Robertson (Rtd. Inj.) D. Mallinson (N/R)

David Evans (Kilmarnock Barassie) took the award for the best score returned on the day, by virtue of the better inward half over Gavin Lawrie (St. Nicholas), with a level par 70.

CSS for the competition was 70 (+ 1)

SCOTTISH AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP - 12 Ayrshire players in the field for the 2006 event

Twelve players from Ayrshire are in the 256 strong starting line up for the 2006 Scottish Amateur Championship, which will be held at Nairn golf club from Monday 31 July to Saturday 5 August.

The Ayrshire contingent will be hoping to emulate fellow Ayrshireman Colin Montgomerie, who won the championship the last time it was held at the West Course in Nairn in 1987, beating fellow Ayrshire player, Alastair Watt (Kilmarnock Barassie) in the final. Indeed the Nairn course seemed to be a favourite for Ayrshire players in 1987, with the county providing three of the four semi finalsits, with Alan Tait (Irvine) also reaching the last four.

Ayrshire will have 5 players in each of the first and second quarters of the championship, with one each in the third and fourth quarters.

John Cairney (Ravenspark) will be the first of the county players in action, teeing off in the second tie of the championship at 0653 hrs on the Monday morning.

Details of the ties featuring Ayrshire players are :-

First Quarter

Monday 31 July

Match 2 (0653) Chris Lawton (Stirling) Vs. JOHN CAIRNEY (Irvine Ravensaprk)
Match 3 (0701) DAVID McCAIG (Kilmarnock Barassie) Vs. Lee Vettese (Nigg Bay)
Match 9 (0749) MICHAEL SMYTH (Royal Troon) Vs. Clark Riddick (Dumfries & Galloway)
Match 17 (0857) DAVID ADDISON (Kilmarnock Barassie) Vs. Richard Hyland (Newmacher)
Match 32 (1101) Alasdair McDonald (Craigie Hill) Vs. ANDREW BROWN (West Kilbride)

Second Quarter

Monday 31 July

Match 43 (1229) STEVEN McEWAN (Kilmarnock Barassie) Vs. Blair Paterson (Stirling)
Match 55 (1409) Barrie Edmond (Bon Accord) Vs. ROBERT McKNIGHT (Kilmarnock Barassie)
Match 59 (1441) Joe Lockie (Tantallon) Vs. ROSS DIXON (Kilmarnock Barassie)
Match 61 (1501) DAVID STRACHAN (Turnberry) vs. Phil Dempsey (Alloa)
Match 64 (1526) GEORGE ROBERTSON (Irvine Ravenspark) Vs. Zak Saltman (Craigielaw)

Third Quarter

Tuesday 1 August

Match 76 (0653) CHRIS HARKINS (Ayr Belleisle) Vs. Alan Carlyle (Monifieth)

Fourth Quarter

Tuesday 1 August

Match 109 (1125) Duncan Stewart (Granton On Spey) Vs. BARRY CRAWFORD (West KIlbride)

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Under 18 team edged out by Stilingshire

The Ayrshire under 18 team were narrowly defeated in their latest match in the West Of Scotland inter county league for the Wishart Trophy, when they went down by 4.5 - 3.5 to Sirlingshire at Ballochmyle on Sunday 9th July.

The match was close throughout but Ayrshire lost two crucial matches on the final green, to turn the match in Stirlingshire's favour.

Results in the individual ties were (Ayrshire names first) :-

STUART HENDERSON (Kilmarnock Barassie) halved with C. Robertson (Glenbervie)
DAVID CURRIE (Kilmanrock Barassie) lost to D. Stewart (Campsie) 4 & 3
EUAN BROWN (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost to C. Cox (Falkirk) 1 hole
ALAN BRYCE (Kilmarnock Barassie) beat L. McLean (Kilsyth Lennox) 2 & 1
MICHAEL ROOS (West Kilbride) beat C. Wyper (Campsie) 3 & 2
SCOTT BROWN (Brunston Castle) lost to G. Wright (Brangemouth) 1 hole
ANDREW RIGHT (Kilmanrock Barassie) beat H. Nelson (Kilsyth Lennox) 2 holes
CHARLES DOYLE (Troon St. Meddans) lost to J. Dimmock (Falkirk) 8 & 6

AYRSHIRE 3.5 STIRLINGSHIRE 4.5

AYRSHIRE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS - Moore claims first semi final place in 2006 championship

Brian Moore (Largs) is the first player into the last four in the 2006 Ayrshire Champion Of Champions competition.

Over the Largs course, former professional Moore had a emphatic 9 & 7 victory over an out of sorts Tommy Loy (Ballochmyle) to reach the semi finals.

The three remaining quarter final matches, due to be completed by 23 July are :-

John Shanks (Ardeer) V Henry Thomson (Irvine)
Colin Craig (Welbeck) V Malcolm Pennycott (Corrie)
&
Warren Blair (St. Meddans) V Chris Harkins (Belleisle)

The semi finals will be held over the old course at Royal Troon on Friday 4 August, with the final scheduled for tyhe same venue the following Friday, 11 August.

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - Summer league update

In Section 1 Tam O Shanter were held to a 3 – 3 draw by Turnberry at home in the only recent result recorded. Present positions in the section are;

CLUB/P/W/D/L/F/A/Pts
WEST KILBRIDE 4/2/2/0/18/6/+12/12
TURNBERRY 4/1/2/1/13/11/+2/8
TAM O SHANTER 4/1/1/2/9/15/-6/6
MOORPARK 4/1/1/3/8/16/-8/6

The remaining fixtures in section 1 are :-
Tam O Shanter V West Kilbride (14 July)
West Kilbride V Turnberry (4 August)Turnberry V Moorpark (TBA)
Moorpark V Tam O Shanter (TBA)

In Section 2, Welbeck were overtaken at the top of the table after suffering a 5 – 1 defeat at Ballochmyle against their closest rivals. Present positions in section 2 are ;

CLUB/P/W/D/L/F/A/Pts
BALLOCHMYLE 4/2/2/0/14.5/9.5/+5/12
TROON WELBECK 5/2/1/2/16.5/13.5/+3/10
ANNANHILL 4/1/2/1/12.5/11.5/+1/8
ST. MEDDANS 3/0/1/2/4.5/13.5/-9/2

Outstanding fixtures in section 2 are :-
Ballochmyle V St. Meddans (13 July)
Annanhill V St. Meddans (16 July)
St. Meddans V Ballochmyle (23 July)
Welbeck V Annanhill (3 August)

In Section 3, there have been no further games played, Caprington having alresdy claimed the first semi final place. Present positions in Section 3 are ;

CLUB/P/W/D/L/F/A/Pts
CAPRINGTON 3/3/0/0/12/5/+7/12
AYR BELLEISLE 3/0/1/2/7/11/-4/2
KILBIRNIE PLACE 2/0/1/1/4/8/-4/2

The remaining two fixtures in section 3 are :-
Belleisle V Kilbirnie (7 July)
Kilbirnie V Caprington (TBA)

In Section 4, Irvine (Bogside) remain in front. Present positions in section 4 are :

CLUB/P/W/D/L/F/A/Pts
IRVINE (BOGSIDE) 3/1/2/0/10/8/+2/8
LOUDOUN 2/1/1/0/6.5/5.5/+1/6
KILMARNOCK (BARASSIE) 3/0/1/2/7.5/10.5/-3/2

The outstanding two fixtures in section 4 are :-
Loudoun V Kilmarnock Barassie (14 July)
Irvine (Bogside) V Loudoun (TBA)

JUNIOR ORDER OF MERIT - Mackay leads in title defence

Jamie Mackay (Kilmarnock Barassie) forged an early lead in his bid to defend the Ayrshire Junior Order Of Merit title he won in 2005, after winning the Prestwick Boys Open at Prestwick St. Cuthbert on Monday 3rd July.

Four Ayrshire player secured points when they secured top seven placings in the event, Malcolm Pennycott, Euan Brown and Alan Todd joining Jamie Mackay on the leader board.

Present positions in the Order Of Merit, after two events, are :

100 - JAMIE MACKAY (KILMARNCK BARASSIE)
50 - CAMERON GRAY (WEST KILBRIDE)
50 - JOHN SHANKS (ARDEER)
50 - MALCOLM PENNYCOTT (WHITING BAY)
10 - EUAN BROWN (KILMARNOCK BARASSIE)
5 - ALAN TODD (AYR BELLEISLE)

JUNIOR ORDER OF MERIT - Qualifying competitions for 2006 event

The chase for the 2006 Ayrshire Junior Order of Merit title gets into full swing over the next few weeks, with a number of qualifying events scheduled.

With points already recorded from the Scottish Boys Championship in April, the remaining counting evnets are :

GIRVAN BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP (29 June)
PRESTWICK BOYS OPEN (3 July)
LARGS JUNIOR OPEN (6 July)
KILMARNOCK BARASSIE JUNIOR OPEN (10 July)
BEITH JUNIOR OPEN (12 July)
TROON WELBECK JUNIOR OPEN (14 July)
LOUDOUN BOYS OPEN (17 July)
WEST KILBRIDE BOYS OPEN (18 July)
PRESTWICK ST. NICHOLAS JUNIOR OPEN (24 July)
ARDEER JUNIOR OPEN (25 July)
SCOTTISH BOYS STROKEPLAY (25 July)
CAPRINGTON JUNIOR OPEN (27 July)
TOM LEHMAN JUNIOR OPEN (1 August)
AYRSHIRE BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP (3 August)
IRVINE BOYS OPEN (8 August)
AYR BELLEISLE JUNIOR OPEN (10 August)
AYRSHIRE BOYS MATCHPLAY (10-12 August)
KILBIRNIE JUNIOR OPEN (13 August)
BALLOCHMYLE JUNIOR OPEN (14 August)

AYRSHIRE GOLF ASSOCIATION - 2006 Fourball competition reaches quarter final stage

The 2006 Ayrshire Fourball competition is now at the quarter finals stage.

In recent matches played, Alan Smeaton and Andrew Gibson (Ayr Seafield) edged into the last eight with a one hole victory over R. McCubbin & G. Jess (Durward), whilst the pairing of James Bryce & Ralph Mitchell (Doon Valley) continued their impressive home form with a 7 & 6 win over Ronnie Potts & Ian Wilson (Ravenspark).

Two of the 3rd round matches were decided in extra holes, E. McFadden & F. Greer (St. Meddans) beating their visitors, Glen & Scott Kelly (Tam O Shanter), at the 19th, whilst George Lyon & J. Nimmo (North Beach) also gained a home win, over Denis Taggart & Paul Appleby (Malletsheugh) , winning at the 20th hole.

A.F. Murdoch & D. Murdoch (Brunston Castle) lost at home by 2 & 1 to Ronnie McLelland and Tom Bennett(Turnberry) whilst Ian Yates and Derek Brown (Ayr Belleisle) defeated their visitors John Houston & Cameron Ross (Caprington) by 3 & 2

The Quarter final draw, with matches to be completed by 13th August, is:

AYR SEAFIELD
Vs.
TURNBERRY

MUIRKIRK
Vs.
DOON VALLEY

TROON ST. MEDDANS
Vs.
AYR BELLEISLE

KILMARNOCK BARASSIE
Vs.
NORTH BEACH

WEST OF SCOTLAND UNDER 18 LEAGUE - Ayrshire held by Renfrewshire

Ayrshire were held to a 4 - 4 draw by Renfrewshire, in the latest match in the West Of Scotland Under 18 inter county league for the Wishart Trophy, played at Prestwick St. Nicholas on Sunday 2nd July.

Ayrshire opened with wins in the first two ties, but three defeats in succession left the home side trailing, before Kilmarnock Barassie pair, david Currie and Ewan Brown ensured a draw for the home side.

Results of the 8 ties (Ayrshire names first) were:

KYLE SMITH (Kilmarnock Barassie)
beat
Colin Thomson (East Renfrewshire)
by 1 hole

MICHAEL ROOS (West Kilbride)
beat
Jack Bradley (Paisley)
2 & 1

SCOTT BROWN (Brunston Castle)
lost to
David Fitzpatrick (Greenock)
3 & 2

CHARLES DOYLE (Troon Welbeck)
lost to
David Muir (Cochrane Castle)
by 6 & 5

STUART HENDERSON (Kilmarnock Barassie)
lost to
Gordon Stevenson (Whitecraigs)
by 1 hole

DAVID CURRIE (Kilmarnock Barassie)
beat
Michael Dailly (Erskine)
by 4 & 2

EUAN BROWN (Kilmarnock Barassie)
beat
Sam Bunting (Old Ranfurly)
by 3 & 2

MALCOLM PENNYCOTT (Whiting Bay)
lost to
Jonathon Caldwell (Greenock)
by 4 & 3

AYRSHIRE 4 RENFREWSHIRE 4

AYRSHIRE BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP - Entries for 2006 event close soon

Entries for the 20o6 Ayrshire Boys Golf Championship, to be held at Largs Golf Club on Thursday 3rd August, are now being accepted, but the closing date for entries is fast approaching, with entries required to be in the hands of the Championship Secretary by noon on Monday 17th July.

The 36 hole event, which has a restricted field, has an entry fee of £5.

Entry forms are available through club Secretaries, junior convenors or direct from the Championship Secretary,

Alasdair Malcolm
17 Auchincruive Avenue
Prestwick
KA9 2DT

2006 WALLACE THORNTON TROPHY - Belleisle secure opening win

The chase for the 2006 Wallace Thornton Trophy began recently with Ayr Belleisle recording a 3.5 - 0.5 home win over Irvine Ravenspark in the first match completed in Section 2.

matches will be completed in both qualifying sections by the end of August, with the winners of each section contesting the final in September.

AYRSIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - West Kilbride secure semi final place in Under 16 competition

West Kilbride are the first side through to the semi finals of the 2006 Under 16 Knockout Trophy, after a 4 - 0 home win over Caprington in the Quarter finals.

West Kilbride will face an away tie in the semi final, against either Prestwick St. Nicholas or Largs Routenburn.

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE - League Championship update

With only four weeks of competition to go, the race for the semi finals in the 2006 Ayrshire Junior Golf League championship is hotting up.

In section A, Ballochmyle remain in pole position after being held to a 3 - 3 draw by nearest rivals Annanhill. In the other two matches played recently, Troon Welbeck and Ardeer shared the spoils, winning their respective home matches by 4 - 2 and 4.5 - 1.5 against each other.

Present positions in section A are ;

TEAM /P/W/D/L/F/A/Dif/Pts
Ballochmyle /5/4/1/0/20/10/+10/18
Annanhill /5/2/2/1/15½/14½ /+1/12
Troon Welbeck /7/2/1/4/17/25/-8/10
Ardeer /6/2/0/4/17½/18½/-1/8
Beith /5/2/0/3/14/16/-2/8

In Section B, Caprington lead the wy after a recent 6 - 0 home win over Kilbirnie and a 3 - 3 draw at Prestwick St. Nicholas. Prestwick St. Cuthbert maintained the unbeaten home record with a 4 - 2 win over Troon St. Meddans.

Present positions in Section B are :

TEAM /P/W/D/L/F/A/Dif/Pts
Caprington /6/3/3/0/24/12/+12/18
Prestick St. Cuthbert /6/2 /2/2/17½/18½/-1/12
Kilbirnie /5/3/0/2/13/17/-4/12
Troon St Meddans /4/0/2/2/10½/13½ /-3/4
Prestwick St. Nicholas /3/0/1/2/7/11/-4/2

In Sectio0n C, leaders Largs crashed to a 5.5 - 0.5 defeat on their visit to Kilmarnock (Barassie) and now face a crunch match at Ayr Belleisle in their final match, with the Ayr club being the only team in a position to overtake Largs in the section, if they can secure results against both Largs and Routenburn at home in their last two matches. Present positions in Section C are :

TEAM/P/W/D/L/F/A/Dif/Pts
Largs 5/3/1/1/16/14/+2/14
Ayr Belleisle /4/3/0/1/14/10/+4/12
Kilmarnock Barassie /6/2/1/3/19/17/+2/10
Largs Routenburn /5/1/0/4/11/19/-8/4

Loudoun lead Section D, after a 4-2 home win over West Kilbride. In the other match played recently, Irvine Ravenspark had a 4 - 2 away win at New Cumnock. Present positions in Section D are :

TEAM/P/W/D/L/F/A/Dif/Pts
Loudoun Gowf /5/3/1/1/18½/11½/+5/14
West Kilbride /3/2/0/1/11½/6½/+5/8
Irvine Ravenspark /3/2/0/1/11/7/+4/8
New Cumnock /5/0/1/4/7/23/-16/2

SUMMER LEAGUE - Ravensaprk withdraw from competition as semi finals loom

As the four qualifying sections approach a conclusion in the 2006 Ayrshire Golf Association Summer League, section 3 has been reduced in number by the withdrawal of Irvine Ravensaprk. In compliance with the rules of the competition, all Ravensaprk results and matches to be played have been declared void, and the section table adjusted accordingly.

In Section 1 Moorpark held their visitors, and league leaders, West Kilbride to a 3 - 3 draw in the only recent result recorded. Present positions in the section are;

CLUB/P/W/D/L/F/A/Pts

WEST KILBRIDE 4/2/2/0/18/6/+12/12
TURNBERRY 3/1/1/1/10/8/+2/6
MOORPARK 4/1/1/3/8/16/-8/6
TAM O SHANTER 3/1/0/2/6/12/-6/4

In Section 2, Welbeck remain in fromt after beating local rivals St. Meddans by 6 - 0, although Ballochmyle maintained the pressure on the leaders with a 3.5 - 2.5 win at Annanhill.

Present positions in section 2 are ;

CLUB/P/W/D/L/F/A/Pts

TROON WELBECK 4/2/1/1/15.5/8.5/+7/10
BALLOCHMYLE 3/1/2/0/9.5/8.5/+1/8
ANNANHILL 4/1/2/1/12.5/11.5/+1/8
ST. MEDDANS 3/0/1/2/4.5/13.5/-9/2

In Section 3, the withdrawal of Ravenspark and a 4.5 - 1.5 win at Belleisle allowed Caprington to claim the first semi final place of the competition. Present positions in Section 3 are ;

CLUB/P/W/D/L/F/A/Pts

CAPRINGTON 3/3/0/0/12/5/+7/12
AYR BELLEISLE 3/0/1/2/7/11/-4/2
KILBIRNIE PLACE 2/0/1/1/4/8/-4/2

In Section 4, Irvine (Bogside) forged further ahead aftetr a 3 - 3 draw at Kilmarnock (Barassie). Present positions in section 4 are :

CLUB/P/W/D/L/F/A/Pts

IRVINE (BOGSIDE) 3/1/2/0/10/8/+2/8
LOUDOUN 2/1/1/0/6.5/5.5/+1/6
KILMARNOCK (BARASSIE) 3/0/1/2/7.5/10.5/-3/2

EUROPE TAKE PALMER CUP WITH RECORD VICTORY

Europe regained the Palmer Cup, played at Prestwick Golf Club on Thurday 29th and Friday 30th June, with a record 19.5 - 4.5 victory over their United States counterparts in this annual event whic brings together the best collegiate players from both continents in a Ryder Cup style match.

Despite the presence of left hander Brian Harman, the youngest player ever to represent the USA in the Walker Cup, and other members of the USA team, such as Luke List, who have already competed in some of the Majors, it was the European side who dominated the match throughout, winning all four series of matches over the two days.

The opening fourball matches, on Thursday morning, set the tone for the event, with Europe taking a 4 - 0 lead. Match results (USA names first) were ;

Brian Harman & Chris Kirk
lost to
Alejandro Canizares & Pablo Martin
by 5 & 3

Luke List & Clay Ogden
lost to
Mark Haastrup & Joost Luiten
by 4 & 3

Ryan Baca & Ryan Blum
lost to
Rhys Davies & Richard Ramsay
by 6 & 4

Roberto Castro & Kevin Larsen
lost to
Oscar Floren & Stephen Lewton
by 2 & 1

The United States fared little better in the afternoon singles, taking only 2 of the 8 ties, to leave them trailing by 10 - 2 overnight. The singles results from thursday afternoon (USA names first) were;

Harman lost to Martin by 6 & 5
Ogden lost to Canizares by 2 & 1
Baca beat Haastrup by 3 & 2
List lost to Luiten by one hole
Castro beat Ramsay by one hole
Larsen lost to Floren by 6 & 4
Kirk lost to Lewton by one hole
Blaum lost to Davies by 4 & 3

On the Friday morning, the foursomes ties started in wet weather conditions and the European team continued their dominance, eventually taking all four ties to secure the Palmer Cup even before the final round of singles started.

The morning foursomes results (USA names first) were;

Blaum & Castro
lost to
Canizares & Martin
by 6 & 5

Baca and Ogden
lost to
Floren & Haastrup
by one hole

Harman & List
lost to
Luiten & Ramsay
by 3 & 2

Kirk & Larsen
lost to
Davies & Lewton
by 4 & 3

Despite the afternoon singles having no influence on the destination of the trophy, there were a number of aspects to the final series of matches that ensured an interest in proceedings would continue throughout the final afternoon.

Europe had an opportunity to record the highest winning margin since the USA won the innaugural event in 1997 by 19-5 against the Great Britain & Ireland team, who provided the opposition until 2002.

In addition, Alejandro Canizares, playing in a record 4th Palmer Cup, had the opportunity to complete an personal record of 8 wins from 8 in singles matches in Palmer Cup competition, whilst 6 of the European team had the opportunity to record a personal record of 4 points from 4 in the 2006 match.

In the event, Canizares was pushed all the way in his match before he eventually secured a one hole victory to complete his unprecidented singles record in the event.

Pablo Martin, Rhys Davies and Joost Luiten all joined Canizares with 4 wins from 4 in the 2006 match, with the standard of play throughout the week being exemplified by Luiten's finish to his match.

Two holes behind for most of the match, Luiten birdied the 14th to reduce the defecit and birdied the 16th to level the match before taking the lead for the first time with another birdie at the 17th. On the par 4 final hole, luiten hit a superb drive which came to rest a mere 18 inches from the hole to secure the match, with his closing run of birdie-par-birdie-birdie-eagle.

results of Friday afternoon singles (USA names first) were;

Castro lost to Martin by 3 & 2
Blaum beat Floren by 4 & 2
Harman lost to Haastrup by 5 & 3
Baca lost to Canzares by one hole
Larsen lost to Luiten by 2 holes
Ogden halved with Lewton
List lost to Davies by 3 & 2
Kirk beat Ramsay by one hole

Overall score

EUROPE 19.5 USA 4.5

At the conclusion of the event the trophy was handed over to the victorious European team by a representative of the sponsors, Monster.