Captain hails triumphant Ripon Golf Club

It was the first time the club had won the Union’s inter-club trophy in recent memory.

Ripon won eight of their 11 matches, with one draw and two defeats.

And Swiers said the triumph had made him a “very proud captain.”

He said: “It’s the first time I can recall Ripon winning it.

“You always try to do your best. It shows Ripon golf course has been in fantastic condition all year. “It’s a true test of a golfer’s ability and it allows these players to go elsewhere and be very competitive.

“It’s ensuring that the club is in a good position and going the right way.

“Ripon Golf Club is certainly on the up. There’s a lot of competitive golf.

“It’s fantastic.”

Having finished sixth in the league during the 2013 summer, a draft of younger members has helped turn the tables.

Ripon took the crown ahead of last year’s winners Otley and their neighbours Ilkley, with both teams tied on 15 points, two adrift of Ripon.

Ripon started the season as they meant to go on after dominating Romanby in their opening fixture, taking every match point to win 16-0.

And it was a triumph, Swiers said, was crucial to get the ball rolling.

“We won every game, that was quite an achievement,” he said.

Sixteen players have represented the golf club throughout the summer, with a squad of 12 needed each week.

Ripon also enjoyed a strong summer showing in the Scratch League, as they only lost one match out of the 11 played.

However, they finished up in fifth spot due to six halves.

Professional Dave Fountain won nine of the ten matches he played alongside Swiers, in the captain and professional partnership.

Nigel Pickard was Ripon’s star performer in the scratch league as he won 80 per cent of the matches he played.

Swiers praised Pickard’s haul, but he also gave thanks to team co-ordinator Miles Canavan for overseeing the whole squad’s success and professional Dave Fountain .

He added: “Dave has been very good. I’s been a pleasure to play with him.

“Miles has been team coordinator and he has done a fantastic job. I would like to thank him for that.

“Nigel played 10 matches and won eight. That’s a great achievement.

“It’s been very critical to us only losing one match all year.”

Harrogate and District Union League

Club P W D L Pts

Ripon City 11 8 1 2 17

Ilkley 11 7 1 3 15

Otley 11 6 3 2 15

Rudding Park 11 7 0 4 14

Pannal 11 5 1 5 11

Knaresborough 10 5 0 5 10

Thirsk&Northallerton 11 4 2 5 10

Bedale 11 5 0 6 10

Harrogate 11 4 0 7 8

Oakdale 9 4 0 5 8

Romanby 11 2 2 7 6

Masham 10 1 2 7 4

Harrogate and District

Union Scratch League

Club P W D L Pts

Rudding Park 11 8 1 2 17

Ilkley 11 8 1 2 17

Otley 11 7 1 3 15

Pannal 11 7 0 4 14

Ripon City 11 4 6 1 14

Knaresborough 10 4 4 2 12

Bedale 11 5 2 4 12

Oakdale 9 3 3 3 9

Harrogate 11 2 3 6 7

Masham 10 2 1 7 5

Thirsk&Northallerton 11 1 1 9 3

Romanby 11 1 1 9 3