The Michael Moore Cup for handicaps 19 and above had an exciting finish when Black Bush and Newlands contested the final at Portarlington last week.

Black Bush in particular will have fond memories of the 1999 final. Club captain, Robert Craigie showed the Dunshaughlin club the way home. Four down after nine holes the captain came back to win on the 18th and help Black Bush to a 5-2 win. Beaten in the final of the Best Cup last year, this was Black Bush's first success in men's golf.

However, this first success wouldn't have been possible without a big piece of luck in the semi-final against Mountrath. In the deciding match, Barry O'Hagan was one down playing the 18th. His second shot was heading out of bounds when it hit a wall and rebounded to 12 feet from the pin. O'Hagan duly won the hole and went on to win on the 19th to take Black Bush into the final.

"Having been beaten in the final of the Best Cup last year, the club was determined to go one better this year and I hope its the first of many," said Craigie.