The final of the Wheeler Salver took place at Gog Magog GC on Sunday 29th October. The two finalists teeing off at 7:30 am were Danny Loveday of St Neots and James McLaughlin of Ely City.
The Wheeler Salver is the County Matchplay Championship played off scratch throughout the summer months on the Old Course at Gog Magog. It was presented by Barry Wheeler a past captain of Gog Magog in 1970 in memory of his father Les, a past County Captain.
Both finalists were having a fantastic Golf year with Danny recently winning the Hunstanton Bowl and the Ron Freeman Foursomes with his partner Andy Grimwood. James was the newly crowned County Champion, winning the title at St Ives GC after a play off with young Sam Marshall.
It was hot stuff straight away with James birdieing the first 2 holes and Danny hitting back with a birdie of his own at the 3rd hole and then squaring the match at the 5th with another birdie.
The match continued with both exchanging birdies in a high class game and at the turn James was 1 up and out in just 31 strokes.
The 10th was won by James with a par to go 2 up and pars by both finalists for the next 5 holes meant that victory was in site for the Ely player who was 2 up with just 3 holes to play.
A fine chip from 40 yds to within 4 feet at the 16th secured a par 4 for James and a victory by 3 & 2.
Both players each demonstrated their best golf and showing why they deserved to be in the final.
The Wheeler Salver was presented to the winner James McLaughlin by the County President Alan Duggins who also refereed the final.