Squires pipped in Wilpshire

OLDHAM’S Alan Squires was beaten into second place in the Wilpshire Trophy by an opponent 40 years his junior.

England under-21 player James Robinson won his third Mitsushiba Northern Order of Merit event of the season after a stunning six-under-par second-round 64.

The 19-year-old from Southport and Ainsdale pipped Squires, who had shot an opening-round 66, by one shot in a dramatic finish to the 36-hole event.

Squires, who won the Wilpshire Trophy at the Blackburn course three years ago, had led the way after the opening round as he fired a total of nine birdies over the two rounds.

In the opening round he birdied 11, 12, 13 and 18 and dropped only one shot at the 14th.

Then in the second he was two under-par after eight holes only to three putt the ninth from 12 feet and bogey 11 and 12 though he still finished with a level-par 69.

Squires (59) said: “I have no grumbles as I played well and showed I can still give the young players a run for their money. Wilpshire in a course I like and wherever I play there I always pick up a prize.”

Squires was delighted with his form, especially with the putter, as he is off to Ireland next week to compete for England in the European seniors team championship at Shannon.

ASHTON’S Matthew Nixon reached the quarter-finals of the England Amateur Championship at Woodhall Spa where he was beaten 2 & 1 by Stockfield’s Chris Paisley.

DUKINFIELD have successfully defended their Oldham and District Rabbits League title.

The league’s cup final takes place tomorrow when Stamford play Brookdale at Houldsworth.