ON Ross Golf Club's recent day of annual knock-out finals, the 36-hole match to decide the Club's 2026 Men's Champion proved an exciting contest, reports KEITH RAY.

While the results of the semi-final matches which featured 16-year-old twins Oli and Billy Walker were also eagerly anticipated, ultimately it was defending champion Tom Shotton and 18-year-old James Sayce who were rightly in contention.

Tom (1.3 handicap) and James (1.8 handicap_ were ideally matched and have enjoyed successful summer seasons, with the former winning the coveted 2025 Autumn Scratch medal and the latter the 2026 blue ribbon Mike Lane Trophy and Knowle GC's Junior Open.

Although a slight favourite to retain his title, Tom was aware that he would need to be at his best and so it proved.

Birdies were needed to decide a positive outcome and after 18 holes Tom enjoyed a 3 up advantage.

Tom takes title 5/4 from teenager James

While James fought back gainfully at times in an encounter which was entertaining and thoroughly enjoyed by members, the match finished on the 32nd green with Tom winning 5/4.

The Ladies Championship also played over 36 holes saw Sally Fycun and Mary Smith in the spotlight, and it was Sally with a 4/3 win on the day who added another trophy title to her impressive list of achievements.

Robin Henderson-Pugh certainly enjoyed the Trophy Presentation evening receiving cups from both the Len Weston and Trevor Lane knock-out finals.

Peter Smith and Jenny Freel were also delighted to be honoured again as together they collected the Neville Ovens and Tom Gurney Trophies, and Jenny the Ladies Summer singles knock-out final.

The Huggett Putter Champion of Champions was Tim Wyatt after he held a 1 up advantage in an exciting final with the Ladies Putter Champion Dinah Johnston.