NGL Handicap League

Group A
Northampton’s pursuit of a first Handicap League crown got off to the ideal start as they secured a 14-8 win at Northants County.
With both teams winning three games apiece, Northampton took the plaudits thanks to David Goldman and Mark Shelswell (four holes), Gary Slinn and Robert Smith (four holes) and Craig James and Simon Hunt (six holes).
Group B
Reigning champions Collingtree Park produced a clinical performance at home to Cherwell Edge as they secured a 7-0 whitewash.
Although there was little to choose between the two teams in all six ties, Collingtree triumphed thanks to Philip Read and Trevor Twelfree (one hole), Anthony Brown and Andrew Dennis (two holes), Roo Smith and Iain Tait (three holes) and Stephen Low and Peter Owen (one hole).
Group C
Brampton Heath put down an early marker in their section as they recorded an 8-5 away success at Daventry.
Lee Bellham and Nigel Packer (five holes) kept the visitors in the contest early on, before Michael Burrows and Gary McAllister (one hole) and Steve Nixon and Ian Haynes (two holes) sealed a narrow victory with two late wins.
Group D
Four pairs games were halved in Kingsthorpe’s remarkable home clash with Hellidon Lakes as the hosts triumphed 6-3 thanks to a convincing win in one of the middle ties.