GHYLL Golf Club's Jersey mission ended in disappointment when they were beaten 3-2 in the National Nines Matchplay final by Andover from Hampshire.

With wins in the early rounds against clubs from Cumbria, Lancashire and Stirlingshire, Ghyll, after trailing in the first leg, had beaten Swaffham GC on home ground to earn a Channel Island trip in the event, sponsored jointly by the Jersey Tourist Board and Progen Golf.

After two days of intensive preparation, Ghyll's five-man team faced Andover over the 18 holes of Les Orbes GC, whose links course stretches along the cliff tops of St Brelade and were made even more challenging on the day by windy conditions.

Carl Nevison and Tony Turner won their matches by one up and two and one respectively but unfortunately Andy Riley, Ghyll's captain, Howard Tyrer and Jim Warner were unable to win their matches and thus the final was lost by two matches to three. Ironically, reserve David Stinchon achieved an emphatic five and four victory in his match.