GOLF: The singles clash between Luke Miller and Lawrence Dodd was the highlight of the Stenson Shield quarter-final in which Bury St Edmunds won by eight matches to four at Woodbridge.

GOLF

THE singles clash between Luke Miller and Lawrence Dodd was the highlight of the Stenson Shield quarter-final in which Bury St Edmunds won by eight matches to four at Woodbridge.

It was the last match out and Bury had already won, but it was high quality play as Dodd avenged his defeat at the hands of Miller in the Midlands Youth Championship at Stoke Rochford the previous week.

Dodd, the Suffolk amateur champion, needed six birdies to win 2 and 1 in a classic match. Bury St Edmunds had taken control in the foursomes with a two match lead. Only Joe Fairbrother and John Blackmore managed wins for Woodbridge in the singles, Blackmore having six birdies in his win over Roger Nicholson.

Bury St Edmunds now face Stoke-by-Nayland, the holders, at a neutral venue in the semi-final on Saturday, August 17.

Stoke made home advantage tell on the Gainsborough course against Felixstowe Ferry for whom Nigel Fosker, their former club secretary, had a great day. He and Steve Waring won their foursomes match against Anthony Kirwan and Greg Hills 3 and 2.

Fosker then overcame Andrew Tokley, runner-up in the Suffolk Matchplay, 2 and 1. It was one of those days when Tokley's putts failed to drop.

Mel Pipe, who dropped out of the Suffolk second team because he was unwell, recovered to win his singles against Kieran Canham. Otherwise Stoke, including Suffolk Open champion Jamie Moul, were pretty much in control with Tim Dainty showing no mercy to Nigel Hubert with an 8 and 7 victory.

Rushmere and Ipswich were level after the foursomes but the home side took command in the singles. Paul Elliston had a successful day for the losers. He and Adrian Callaby were four up after four in their foursomes match against Danny Barton and Ashley Durrant and never looked back. Elliston also won his singles match against Durrant.

James Wright rested from the foursomes but then beat Daniel Bryett 6 and 4 but the best match was the tussle of the 16-year-olds in which Matt Stockdale of Rushmere overcame Richard Davies of Rushmere by one hole.

Rushmere now play The Suffolk Golf and Country Club who beat Gorleston by seven matches to five.

The Suffolk introduced Doug Frew, son of former Bury St Edmunds professional John, to make his Stenson debut. Doug has just regained his amateur status.

The Suffolk had the edge at lunch and had the better of the afternoon singles with Frew beating Chris Duffy 6 and 5. The formidable Gorleston foursomes pairing of John Maddock and Alex Holmes won 6 and 4 against Gary Last and Mike Greener.