RÓNAN, CONOR AND PAUL SCOOP THE SILVERWARE

As the globe's leading footballing nations fight it out for World Cup pre-eminence in the sprawling stadia of St Petersburg and Rostov, County Armagh's hopefuls took to the battlefields of St Brigid's Well and Rokeby Green in their quest for golfing glory in the Woods, Webster and Connolly Cups.

These events, which were held on Saturday 16 June, give players a rare opportunity to test their scratch mettle against rivals from the same handicap bracket and, once again, all three were kindly sponsored by Abbey Bond Lovis Insurance.

The Woods Silver Salver, which is competed for by 6-9 handicappers, was lifted by Rónan O'Reilly after his two-over-par gross 72. O'Reilly's excellent outing, which comes hot on the heels of his podium placing in the Lonsdale Cup earlier in the month, looked unlikely given a somewhat listless opening, but peaked with three birdies in five holes either side of the turn before a pleasingly par-heavy homeward dander.

Five shots adrift of the winner was another man in form, Neil Linton. A gross 77 of a dozen pars but no birdies perhaps lacked Linton's usual spark, but its admirable steadiness was sufficient to take second spot and maintain his good run.

Woods Cup winner, Rónan O'Reilly, receives his prize from Ken Alderdice of competition sponsor, Abbey Bond Lovis Insurance, and County Armagh Golf Club Captain, Colm Shannon. Also pictured (far left) is runner-up, Neil Linton.

Those in the 10-18 handicap category contest the Webster Cup, and prevailing here was Conor McAneney by virtue of a terrific 78-stroke display. Conor was just four over par on each nine during an accomplished showing that featured nine pars and a birdie at the 4th. The resultant nett 64 means that the Webster Cup champion has taken receipt of a new handicap of 12 in addition to the coveted silverware.