Olivia Jordan-Higgins playing the 16th on the Kings Course (00732986)

OLIVIA Jordan-Higgins has made the best of a bad start for Jersey’s golfers in Aland – finishing yesterday’s final round one over par to secure a silver medal.

And, after a decent four days on the course, the men’s team finished in bronze medal position.

As foreseen by team manager Lynne Cottignies earlier in the week, the ladies were unable to hold onto their gold medal from Rhodes, but did place a respectable fifth having fought much stiffer competition than predicted.

Jordan-Higgins, who equalled her silver medal finish from Rhodes, said she was pleased to finish up in 72, having had a tough day with the weather conditions, and a bit of an up and down week.

She said yesterday: ‘I’m extremely pleased to win the silver medal – today was such a hard day, but it was almost like I had to win the silver medal today. From being 13 shots behind I managed to catch the leader by eight shots so I finished five behind her.

But the competition was stronger than I expected – I knew it would be tougher than Rhodes, but I didn’t think it would be that good. For the girl who won it to shoot a 67 on Wednesday was just ridiculous! But it was good for me, because it was really good for me to play with her for three days. The experience of having played with someone of that standard is great.’

Her result was added to those of Jersey team members Alex Mollin, who finished up 14th overall, and Gloria Paradiso, who finished joint 18th. Elaine Pushman was three places behind, in 21st.

Jordan-Higgins said: ‘I think we all improved today, but it was a bit of shame we didn’t make the medals. Obviously the teams here are very strong, very talented and very competitive, but I think that any one of the top six or seven could have won a medal.’

The men’s team of Gavin O’Neill, Christy McLaughlin, Sam Crenan and Andy Clarke scored enough points on the last day of play yesterday to win themselves a podium place – and, after an unsteady week of competition, men’s team manager Peter Crenan said the boys were pleased to take home bronze.

Yet O’Neill, who was topping the individual leader board after day two, finished fifth, and was a bit disappointed with his own performance.

Crenan said yesterday: ‘We’re absolutely pleased with a medal, when you consider the quality of golf we’ve seen this week. I think that’s what we expected, especially from Bermuda, because some of their team members play at the American colleges. The two guys who won it finished up four under par, which tells you just how good the quality is!

‘Gavin was a bit disappointed with his performance, but he dropped three shots on Wednesday so he made it difficult for himself. Still, he finished up one over today, as did Christy, plus Sam came in four over and Andy nine over, so they’re all quite pleased to get a medal.’