NorthamptonshireGolf
2014 Seniors Anglian League champions
Northamptonshire’s seniors completed a double winning season in 2014 as they won the Anglian League and grabbed a share of first place with Nottinghamshire in the newly formed East Midlands League.
Needing to beat Lincolnshire to eclipse defending Anglian League champions Suffolk on countback, the county looked in trouble in the morning as they won just one of the five pairs ties at Northampton.
A half for Gary Hardy and Andrew MacDonald, who won the closing three holes, proved the inspiration for the hosts in the afternoon as they surged into the lead by taking the first four singles games.
The wins from Richard Cole (2&1), Peter Collins (3&2), Hardy (4&3) and MacDonald (3&2) were followed up by a convincing 5&3 victory from Mark Johnson.
Although Lincs took games five and six and also won the closing two matches, it wasn’t quite enough as Alan Linney birdied the 17th hole before sealing a home victory down the last.
Northants, who topped the East Midlands League with three wins and a draw, were confirmed as Anglian League champions for the second time in three years when Suffolk failed to beat Cambridge by a big enough margin the following day.
Team captain Mike Abbotts said: “The Northamptonshire team had been briefed as to what we needed to achieve from the day - a win and nothing else! So I am so proud of all of the players who have played this season and the season-long commitment and effort they have shown. Well done to everyone involved."