BOLTON Golf Club clinched their first BGA League Championship since 1984 when they beat local rivals Old Links 4½-3½.

A closely-fought game could have gone either way at a wind-swept Turton on Sunday.

In the end, the Lostock club were the first to reach the 4½ points required for victory with two games still on the course, and club captain Ken Townson collected the trophy from the BGA president Derek Jones.

Bolton took an early lead with a comfortable 5&4 win by Sam Greenhalgh against Old Links team captain Duncan Simm, followed by Bolton’s Aaron Harper who beat Richard Powter by the same margin.

Another win from the Bolton team captain, Mike Lay, who prevailed 3&2 over Martyn Price, gave the Lostock side a decisive advantage.

However, at the top end, Old Links’ one-handicapper Matt Taylor was always in front against Andy Neill and won 2&1 on the 17th.

And in the two top matches it was Old Links who shone with Steve Bryan and Liam Ball building comfortable leads over Bolton’s Tim Cooper and Michael Hearn, respectively, and a win from both was to be the likely outcome.

There were two crucial games for Bolton which swung the match in their favour. Bolton’s Mick Schofield had a difficult time keeping pace with Old Links’ David Ahern – who was receiving a five-shot handicap advantage.

When Schofield was two down on the 17th tee, a defeat seemed inevitable.

But he came back strongly, winning the 17th with a birdie and making a near miraculous recovery shot on the last hole to win it and earn a significant half for his side.

The victory was sealed with a point from John Maree who had trailed over the first seven holes against Old Links’ Matt Buckley.

Determined Maree found his putting form midway through the round to win 2&1.

The match was in doubt due to persistant rain, and Jones praised Turton officials and green staff, saying: “Turton managed to provide an excellent course on the day and we were graced with a superb final which kept the supporters on their toes right to the end.”

Meanwhile, the BGA Junior League Championship play-off final will take place at Horwich Golf Club on Sunday (1pm teeoff) between the three league section winners Old Links, Turton and Chorley.

The winners will go through to the Northern Regional finals where they will have the chance to qualify for the national finals.