NGL Scratch League

Peterborough Milton clinched the Scratch League title for the first time since 2013 after recording a 5-3 victory at Wellingborough, who were relegated.

Needing a win in either of their last two fixtures to overtaken Northants County at the top of the table, Milton made a strong start as Jacob Williams and Ian Wicks both secured points with holes to spare.

Wellingborough responded with a 3&2 success for Matthew Smith, but the visitors quickly extended their advantage courtesy of victories from Adam Scott and Adam Barker, who clinched his match on the 18th hole.

Although Adam Sherlock earned a narrow win for Wellingborough, it made little difference as Michael Wood and Jay Noye both claimed halves against Nick Shelford and Jon Harris respectively to guarantee Peterborough finish above County.

The result means Wellingborough will be playing scratch team golf outside the top division for the first time in over a decade as they finished below Northampton, who host champions Milton in their remaining fixture next weekend.

Kettering, who will replace Wellingborough in the top flight next season, were unable to complete a perfect promotion campaign as they lost their last match of the season 5-3 at Kingsthorpe.

Although the away points from Chris Brigstock, Ed Keech and Chris Ward weren’t enough to secure a sixth Kettering victory in six outings, they did ensure that Kingsthorpe suffered relegation as they finish below Cold Ashby on points difference.

Brampton Heath’s promotion to the second tier was confirmed without them having to hit a golf ball as they were awarded a 5-1 walkover home victory against rock-bottom Oundle.

Daventry completed their season with another excellent performance as the runners-up defeated Rushden 5-1 at home.

Despite losing the opening tie, Daventry sealed their fifth consecutive home victory thanks to points from Tom Green (2&1), Jack Cooper (2&1), Mat Simmonds-Curd (6&5), Chris Eveleigh (4&3) and Daniel Haynes (3&2).

Third-placed Silverstone also finished their campaign on a high as they recorded a 4-1 away victory at Priors Hall, courtesy of wins from Mark Bennett, Simon Orrey and Robbie Turvey, plus a couple of halves.