Licata retains Marston’s Matchplay title

Giuseppe Licata retained the Marston’s Matchplay title as his battle for supremacy with Ross Langdon continued in the Gloucestershire and Somerset PGA.

The 31 year old was crowned at his new home club Chipping Sodbury and overcame the Brickhampton Court player 4&3 in the final.

Formerly attached to Bristol Golf Centre, he has now won the title on each of the last three occasions he has competed. He only missed competing in 2014 when he was absent for the birth of his second child.

Langdon, who beat Licata in last season’s Total Triumph Order of Merit chase, was the top seed. He started by beating Pat Baker (Bleadon Hill) 6&5. Licata beat Filton’s Paul Ryder 4&3.

Other first round scores: Nick Ellis (Naunton Downs) beat Andrew March (Brean), Ed Goodwin (Cirencester) beat Kevin Pitts (Mendip), Ashley Mansell (Clevedon) beat Pete Garratt (Naunton Downs), Dan Toogood  (Weston-super-Mare) beat Robin Goodey (Chipping Sodbury), Scott Thompson (Mendip Spring) beat Paul Barrington (InPlay Golf), David Haines (Burnham and Berrow) had a walkover as George Ryall withdrew through injury.

Langdon made a birdie three at the first extra hole to beat Ellis in a close quarter final.  Licata moved into top gear on the back nine holes to eliminate Toogood  4&2. Goodwin ousted Mansell 3&1 and Haines overcame Thompson by two holes.

In the semi-finals Licata only beat Haines on the final green while Langdon had an easier task winning on the 15^th against Goodwin.

Goodey made it a Chipping Sodbury double by beating Garratt on the first extra hole in the Plate final.