THERE were fitting winners of The Worcestershire Golf Club's Stan McCabe Trophy in Malvern Wells.

Andy McCabe, playing off a handicap of five, and his partner Phil Birch (6) claimed the silverware, which was donated by the former's mother Pauline in memory of his late father.

However, they had a fight on their hands, being the first of three pairs returning scores of 46 points in the better-ball stableford.

On count-back, Mark Groves (10) and Peter McNeil (13) took second place with Alan Boyd (13) and Bruce Duncan (10) third.

A good field of 49 ladies took part in a stableford competition for the Hollins Cup with Maureen Riley being a popular winner of the trophy with 40 points.

Joan Herbert followed closely behind on 39, while Brenda Jones secured third place on count-back as the best of five on 36.

Meanwhile, The Worcestershire’s teams struggled both at home and away in club matches.

The men’s ‘A’ team entertained top-of-the-table Sapey and had a disappointing day, losing 3½-2½.

The high points were wins for Birch and Mark Read (handicap four) by 5&4 and Steve Carter (12) and Dave Marshall (1) one-up.

Tom Howells (1) and ex-Sapey member Brian Kendall (12) secured a fine half, while there were losses for Andy Dunster (6) and Andy McCabe (5) one-down, Richard Sebok (6) and Steve Lane (+2) by 2&1 and Peter Lupino (0) and Andy Fleming (12) 3&2.

The ‘B’ team met a strong Droitwich side at home and, in a tight contest, an admirable fightback was required to secure a 3-3 draw.

Winners from The Worcestershire were Steve Bradshaw and Rob Merley and Josh Marshall and Pete Basten with Dave Jones and Bill Fahey’s final match win saving the day.

Meanwhile, a mixed team fared no better, losing 6-4 at Kings Norton.