Steve Slater has become the first winner of the Northumberland County Seniors Matchplay Championship with victory in the final over City of Newcastle teammate John Simmons at Morpeth Golf Club.
Steve is now the proud holder of the Mike Fleming Salver following his 2&1 win, having reached one under-par when the final finished.
Both the semi-finals had also been close matches with John beating the recent winner of the County Seniors Strokeplay title Alan Trimby (Seahouses) 1up and Steve winning on the 19th hole over Richard West (Bedlingtonshire).
The final was a case of both players playing to their strengths. Steve plotted his way around Morpeth, hitting fairways and greens while John took on the course with his length – driving some par fours and reaching the par fives in two.
John battled back from 4dn by driving the 15th and then holing a great putt at the 16th.
Both players found the green on the tricky 17th and with John’s putt slipping by Steve rolled up his putt to the hole’s edge to secure the title.
