Birstall AWAY MATCH RESULT Wednesday 15th July 2026

Birstall AWAY MATCH RESULT Wednesday 15th July 2026

Birstall vs Beeston Fields (Away)

Wednesday 15th July 2026

The weather at Birstall was pleasantly more moderate than on some recent outings, and the BFGC Seniors enjoyed a competitive and good‑humoured away match. The fairways were still firm enough to produce the occasional odd bounce—just like at home—and the team refused to be distracted by the robot mowing machines roaming the course like slow‑moving hazards.

By the end of the morning, a hard‑fought 4–4 draw was secured, a result that, combined with the earlier home win, was enough to retain the annual wooden trophy for the aggregate home‑and‑away matches between Beeston Fields and Birstall.

Match 1 – Phil Harrison & Andy Beer L 2&1

Seniors Captain Phil Harrison partnered Andy Beer, who brought genuine local connections to the match—Andy’s father having been both Captain and President of Birstall, fondly remembered by many of their players and staff. Despite solid golf and some useful local knowledge, the Beeston pair were narrowly beaten 2&1, one of four tight defeats by that scoreline.

Match 2 – Andy Lowe & Rob McWilliam W 3&2

Andy Lowe and Rob McWilliam delivered Beeston’s first point of the day with a gritty 3&2 win, combining steady ball‑striking with sharp short‑game work. Their control of the middle holes kept Birstall under pressure and added a valuable second point to the Beeston tally.

Match 3 – John Swan & Matt Lavelle L 2&1

The Beeston pairing of John Swan & Matt Lavelle  went down by 2&1 in close contest. The firm fairways and tricky approaches favoured the home side just enough to tip the balance, despite determined play from the Beeston duo.

Match 4 – John Hopwood & Ade Firth L 2&1

Another Beeston pairing of  John Hopwood & Ade Firth suffered a narrow 2&1 defeat, again in a match that could easily have gone the other way. Birstall’s local knowledge and the odd bounce on the firm fairways combined to edge the home side ahead.

Match 5 – Lance Rosie & Phil Hudson W 1 UP

Lance Rosie and Phil Hudson produced an excellent 1 UP win. The match was tight throughout, but Lance’s accuracy and Phil’s calm approach under pressure proved decisive over the closing holes—a superb away victory that got Beeston properly into the match.

Match 6 – Ray Stevenson & Malcolm Leivers W 4&3

A standout performance came from Ray Stevenson and Malcolm Leivers, who recorded a confident 4&3 victory. Using their handicap shots wisely and putting solidly on the firm greens, they never allowed the home side back into the match.

Match 7 – Bill Hurrel & Julian Ennis L 2&1

The fourth and final Beeston defeat by 2&1 came in Match 7, where Bill Hurrel & Julian Ennis had another close encounter where small margins and local knowledge made the difference. Despite good golf, the point went to Birstall.

Match 8 – Martin Bottomley & Drew Armstrong W 4&3

The final match saw Martin Bottomley and Drew Armstrong deliver a superb 4&3 win, closing out the day in style. Their confident approach play and steady putting ensured Beeston finished strongly and secured the overall draw.

Final Score: Birstall 4 – 4 Beeston Fields

A very creditable away draw, with four narrow defeats balanced by four excellent wins. And, thanks to the earlier 6½–1½ home victory, Beeston Fields retain the wooden trophy for another year—now proudly residing back at the club. The photo shows BFGC Captain Phil Harrison receiving the Tropy from Birstall Seniors Captain Steve Merrall (photo in the news section).

Thanks to all who played and represented BFGC with pride and good humour.