IT’S a "clash of the two oldies" says Dave Grimshaw as he and his friend Andy Lewis meet in Sunday’s Observer Shield final at Baxenden GC.

Defending champion Dave, 49, faces his fellow Accrington Golf Club member Andy, 50.

It promises to be a close match with Dave playing off five and Andy, off six.

"We have known each other for a long time," said Dave, who beat Chris Nuttall on the first extra hole last year.

"He has got age on his side and I have got experience so we shall have to see how it goes!

"But we are definitely too oldies!

"I want to win the trophy and I won’t be taking it lightly even though we are good friends - I am sure Andy is the same.

"I know this year I will probably be the favourite but it doesn’t worry me.

"And if Andy wins fair play to him. I remember when I first met him on Captain’s Day and I hit two shots out of bounds on the first two holes and he couldn’t stop laughing - we have been friends ever since.

"I have beaten him in the club singles competition this season so I am one-up - but it is all about the day."

Andy has never been in the final before as a player - but was Paul Biggins’ caddy when he won the tournament a few years ago.

"I have had the experience of a final but it will be totally different playing in it," said Andy, who is a company director of an electrical firm.

"The pressure will be different. I have only got to the last 16 before as I haven’t entered the competition a lot and all I hope is that we both play well - and have a good day.

"I imagine there will be quite a few following from Accrington and I have heard that the bets have been flying around but I am not getting involved in all that!

"I do know Dave well though - it’s beauty versus the beast!"

Andy beat teenager Shaun Taylor in the semi-final 3&2 but is hoping for a better show.

"It was a scruffy win really - I am hoping I have saved the best for the final."

Dave had a tight semi-final against former finalist Paul Swan which went to the 20th hole.

"It was a very close game," said Dave, whose son Darren will again caddy for him.

"It’s the second year I have beaten Paul as I beat him in the quarter-final last year.

"He was two-up with three to play and I birdied the 16th and he gave me a shot on the 17th.

"We halved the 18th and 19th and then he had to give me another shot on the 20th and I won. Paul is a good lad and he took it on the chin but obviously he was disappointed."

Dave has had a tricky route in defending his crown.

He got the better of former winner Jason Ashworth in the last 16 and then highly-rated 14-year old Thomas Briggs in the quarter-final 3&2.

"I am just taking it all in my stride," said Dave.

"I am old and wise and won’t get too carried away but it is good to be in the final again."

In the quarter-finals, Andy Lewis beat Adam Smith one-up while Paul Swan saw off teenager Carl Taylor and Shaun Taylor got the better of Will Rimmington.