WEST OF SCOTLAND UNDER 18 INTER COUNTY LEAGUE - Ayrshire off to winning start at Ardeer

The winning Ayrshire Under 18 team at Ardeer

The Ayrshire Under 18 team got off to a winning start at Ardeer on Sunday 27 May, in their quest for the Wishart Trophy and 2012 West Of Scotland Under 18 Inter County League title, when they defeated Renfrewshire 4.5 - 3.5 in their opening fixture in the five match series.

Shaun Hedger (West Kilbride) and Murray McCrone (Troon Welbeck) were always in control in their ties, securing the first two points on the board for Ayrshire.

Stuart Easton (Irvine) secured a crucial half point in the lead tie, overturning a two hole deficit with three to play and recording a birdie two at the final hole to share the spoils.

Jordan Fraser (Ayr Belleisle) looked likely to gain a half match after making a par three at the final hole but his opponent made an unlikely par from a very difficult lie in a greenside bunker to edge the tie by one hole.

The match scores went to 3.5 - 1.5 for Ayrshire when Darren McCutcheon (Troon Welbeck) easily defeated his opponent, but Renfrewshire closed the gap once more when Greg Telfer (Prestwick St Cuthbert) lost out by the narrowest of margins on the final green.

In the final tie of the match, Jack McCluskey (Ayr Belleisle) was three down after three holes but fought back in great style in the inward half to secure a win, and the crucial winning point for Ayrshire, on the 16th green.

MATCH DETAILS (Ayrshire names first)

Stuart Easton (Irvine) halved with Calum Aitken (Kilmacolm)
Shaun Hedger (West Kilbride) beat Conor Toal (Old Ranfurly) by 5 & 3
Murray McCrone (Troon Welbeck) beat Kyle Turner (Cochrane Castle) by 3 & 1
Jordan Fraser (Ayr Belleisle) lost to Ross Robertson (Old Ranfurly) by 1 hole
Blair Gavin (Kilmarnock Barassie) lost to Paul Dorrian (Greenock) by 2 & 1
Darren McCutcheon (Troon Welbeck) beat Lee Wingate (Ranfurly Castle) by 7 & 5
Greg Telfer (Prestwick St Cuthbert) lost to Alistair Kyle (East Renfrewshire) by 1 hole
Jack McCluskey (Ayr Belleisle) beat Martin McCorkell (Gleddoch) by 3 & 2

AYRSHIRE    4.5     RENFREWSHIRE   3.5

In the next match of the series, on Sunday 17th June, Ayrshire are at home to Stirlingshire at Skelmorlie.