| The East Cheshire Scratch League was formed in 1977 in order to provide
a challenging competition for the best golfers of Clubs in the area. Now in its 32nd year, the ECSL has seen many fine golfers represent their various clubs over the years. The fact that many of these players have then graduated to play at both county and national level as amateurs and even some turning professional is a testament to the strength of the ECSL. In the early days the League consisted of just one division with participating teams playing for the the Bramhall Shield. The inaugural winner back in 1977 was Stockport Golf Club. The passing years have seen the League grow into ten clubs who are split into two divisions, the Premier League and the First Division. The Bramhall Shield remains the prize for the Champions of the Premier League whilst promotion awaits the winners and runners up of the First Division, swapping places with the bottom two of the Premier League. Following Stockport’s win, seven other clubs have managed to triumph at least once. However two clubs have stood out over the years - Bramhall Golf Club, who have won the trophy seven times dominating the League in the late 80’s and early 90’s and also holding the record for consecutive title wins (4) from 1990 to 1993. Bramhall’s success was then superceded by Hazel Grove Golf Club who had already notched up seven of their now fifteen league wins by 1996. They then proceeded to take a firm hold on the League from 1999 winning it eight times out of the past ten seasons up to 2008. However, during that period, the Grove has not yet managed to eclipse Bramhall’s winning streak of four consecutive titles, although they have achieved a hat-trick of wins on three occasions, 84-86, 02-04 and latterly 06-08. So it remains to be seen if they can make it four in a row in 2009. In true ECSL spirit the rest of the teams in the Premier League will be doing their utmost to stop them. At the end of each season the League holds a Finals Day, which, by tradition, is held on a rotation basis at each of the members clubs. This year it is the turn of Tytherington Golf Club. The day consists of both team and individual competitions open to all players who have represented their club during the course of the season. The day culminates in a dinner and presentation of the Bramhall Shield to the Premier League champions and also individual awards for Player of the Season and the Finals Day winners. Always an enjoyable day and a great way to round off the season’s competition. |
Last update : 2010-06-28 06:28:53