Alex Bithrey (South Beds) retained his County Matchplay title today (20th October) at a wet and blustery Bedford & County Golf Club.

In the morning semi finals, Alex had beaten Gary Munro (Bedfordshire GC) with Mark Carter (Dunstable Downs) overcoming Paul Kitching (The Millbrook). After a short break for lunch the final began referee'd by Mike Smith from Bedford & County. It was a tight match all afternoon, but was played in a wonderful spirit. Mark took an early lead, but was quickly pegged back by Alex and they were still all square after the 18th hole. The match them moved into a sudden death play off over holes 1, 2 then 18 until a winner emerged.

Only one extra hole was necessary, however. Both players hit good, long drives with Alex playing his wedge shot first into the green and it finished some 5 feet from the hole. Mark tugged his approach long and left but played a great chip to about a foot which was conceded by Alex leaving him with a birdie putt for the match. He calmly rolled it in to win the County Matchplay title for the second successive year - a great result for a 16 year old!