RallyNorth.net

BOXFORD — Something unexpected happened at the Division 2 North Sectional golf tournament at the Far Corner Golf Course. North Andover delivered its first sectional crown since Ted Pritchard's 1987 team. The Knights finished with a first-place score of 326, three shots ahead of runner-up Lincoln-Sudbury and four ahead of Beverly. They were the only qualifiers in the 19-school field. Reading and Masco tied for fourth at 334. Leading the way for the Knights was senior Ross Boyle, who fired a 78 as the medalist under cold and windy conditions. Twin brother John was next at 80 while Alec Brown and Nick DePace both shot 84s. “It was very tough out there, but I felt I had a good day,” said Ross. “We’re really excited about the team. We always knew we had depth but we didn’t think we’d win it. It was a pleasant surprise.” The fact that the Knights finished ahead of Masconomet was icing on the cake. “They really killed us in the dual meet, so beating them today made it (the title) a lot better,” said Ross. North Andover will compete in the Division 2 state final Oct. 26 at Pocasset Golf Club. Complete Eagle-Tribune records go back through 1991 and the Knights’ best finishes were second places in 2006 (16 strokes behind Lincoln-Sudbury) and 1992 (1 stroke behind Winchester).