PIKE Fold Golf Club, the home club of the MDLGA President Linda England, provided a course in excellent condition and with plenty of challenges to set up another thrilling finals day for the historic Bell Cup.

The competition was begun in 1911 and again had a bumper number of over 80 clubs competing in the competition which has seven players competing in the exciting singles match-play format.

Battling through several rounds to reach the semi-finals, played in the morning of finals day, were Delamere Forest against High Legh and Dean Wood playing Haydock Park.

Going through to the final with 5-2 wins were Delamere Forest with wins from Chrissie Harding Roberts, Michelle Smith, Chris Orchard, Wendy Cousins and Corinne Vetch.

Winners for Dean Wood, who were Bell Cup winners in the debut in the competition in 2016, in some close games were Linda Carr, Julie Fagan, Maggie McIntyre, Mary Darbyshire and Debbie Lewis to set up a terrific final.

The lead swung between the teams as Chrissie Harding Roberts drew first blood for Delamere with Julie Fagan levelling for Dean Wood.

Chris Orchard restored the Forest lead only for Mary Darbyshire to draw Dean Wood level again.

Wins for Corrinne Vetch and Jan Newton kept it level at 3-3 with all eyes on the last match on the 19th after Dean Wood’s Julie Melling’s superb bunker shot on the 18th took the match into extra time.

But to the delight of her team, caddies and supporters Maria Hudson kept her nerve to win on the 19th to take the historic trophy back to Delamere Forest for the first time in its long history.

The teams received their trophies from Linda England and well-deserved thanks were given to Pike Fold, event organisers and both teams for providing another memorable finals day.