FERGUS MARCHINGTON has been crowned Cirencester Golf Club champion for 2014.

But the in-form two handicapper needed to come through a tense three-hole play-off after his 36-hole gross total of par 140 (71, 69) was matched by Sam Tanner (66, 74).

Conditions were not conducive to good scoring with the morning round being blighted by heavy rain, while the afternoon 18 holes were interrupted by light sporadic showers. Nonetheless the scoring was first-rate with the consistent Simon May (72, 71) narrowly securing third place ahead of last year’s champion Charlie Harraway (72, 73).

Bathurst Cup

FERGUS MARCHINGTON also came out on top in the prestigious Bathurst Cup when 11 players scored under net par on the day.

The overall winner with both the best net and gross was Marchington with an incredible gross 66 (net 64).

His brilliant round was just good enough to beat three fellow contenders who all scored net 65.

Paul Daniel was runner-up on countback from the Welsh magician Howard Jones and the improving Daniel Skinley.

The A Team

THE fixture list has been unkind to the A Team this year with three of the first four fixtures being played away from home.

The third match of the season was away against the strongest team in the league, Forest Hills.

Unfortunately for Cirencester their two Category One players were unavailable due to commitments with the county team.

Combined with the added absence of four regular first team players it was inevitable that victory was unlikely. Despite the best efforts of the team on the day they succumbed to a heavy 5-1 defeat.

At this early part of the season it is likely that Cirencester will finish at the foot of the table. However, they can look forward to home advantage in four of their next five matches and with the strong possibility of fielding their best 12, they can expect to start winning again and rise rapidly up the league.

The B Team

THE B Team played the reverse fixture hosting Forest Hills at home.

In stark contrast to the A team, captain Jonathan Wells was able to select a strong team that responded to his inspirational and motivational team talk to register an outstanding 5-1 victory. Captain Jonathan led the way with a close fought 2&1 victory despite his partner Paul Simmonds redesigning most of the course bunkers.

Emphatic wins by the wily twosome of David Exton and John Morris 4&3 and the youthful pair Paul Jenkins and Andy Miles by an embarrassing 7&6 crowned a very successful day for the B Team.

Despite this outstanding victory, captain Jonathan Wells is always looking for members to join the team. Irrespective of standard or handicap he will give you the opportunity to play which for away matches is free of green fees.

Ladies' Section

Birthday Vase

1, Paula Lester-Powell (net 69); 2, Jane Broderick (net 72); 3, Christine Clark (net 73).

Ladies Scratch Cup (36 holes)

1, Emma Brereton 163; 2, Alison Kelly 167; 3, Julie Clough 169.