Binks & Croft win Buckley Trophy

The first event of the Open Week at Bradley Hall Golf Club, the men's 'Buckley Trophy' was held on Saturday with a field of 90 pairs of golfers from around the district and beyond.

The day will be remembered for the excellent weather, a course in pristine condition and last but not least, the excellent scoring from members and visitors alike. One visitor was heard to remark that he had played the course many times in the past and whilst he could not explain why, he had never enjoyed it so much.

Early leaders were the first pairing of Gary Shuttleworth and Tony Morrison with a nett 62 and one shot further back, their playing partners, Gary Parker and David Deadman. However, by lunchtime, the lead was taken by John Taylot and Tony Hirst with a nett 61, but quickly relegated into second place by Andy Whjitfield and Stuart Farrar with a nett 60.

As the afternoon drew on, no less than 4 further pairs returned nett scores of 60. The first being that of ex Halifax R.L.F.C. players, Tony Anderson and Carl Gillespie. In turn they were overtaken by Ian and Matthew Hallett, the former returning a one under gross score of 69. Finally, the ultimate winners, former cricketers, Gary Binks and Ian Croft with the same score but the better back nine of a nett 30.

A feature of the afternoon was the contest between the Bradley Hall pairing of Andy Whitworth and Paul Taylor and the Huddersfield pair of Andy Shaw and Richard Broadley. The former finishing in 4th place with a gross score of 62, nett 60 and their 'rivals' with a gross 61, nett 61 for 5th place.

The prizes and trophy will be presented at the end of the week following the conclusion of the 36 'Lord Mexborough Cup'.

Other events during the week are the Seniors Open on Tuesday 2 August, the Junior Open on Wednesday, the Ladies Open on Thursday and finally the 'Mexborough Cup'

Leading scores

1. G.Binks & I.Croft 60

2. I.Hallett & M.Hallett 60

3. T.Anderson & C.Gillespie 60

4. A.Whitworth & P.Taylor 60

5. A.Whitfield & S.Farrar 60

6. A.Shaw & R.Broadley 61

7. A.Hirst & J.Taylor 61

8. A.Morrison & G.Shuttleworth 62

9. H.Brook & D.Whalley 63

10.D.Deadman & G.Parker 63

11.M.Oldroyd & J.Oldroyd 63

12.A.Garnett & P.Firth 64

13.S.Sandie & C.Martin 64

14.S.Hopkinson & P.Airey 64

15. M.Shea & R.Hayes 64