Trophy-chasing trio face play-off

SIMON HIGGINS, Graham Dowd and Colin Hopkinson must contest an 18-hole play-off to determine the Long Handicap Trophy at Crompton and Royton after they all returned nett 70.

Higgins had a return of 89-19-709, Dowd 88-18-70 and Hopkinson 91-21-70.

A subsidiary medal, for those with lower handicaps, was won by Patrick Scott (79-11-68). Runner-up was Carl Sutcliffe (83-14-69) on the card from Bradley Cannings (79-10-69).

John Haigh, Stuart Hopkinson, Andy Parry and Steve Mills also returned nett 69.

Bradley Cannings (41pts) emerged the victor in the juniors’ single Stableford on the card from Adam Rathbone. Third was Lee Marshall (37).

Robert Calow and Jordan Flint will represent Crompton and Royton in the Lancashire Boys Championship at Blackburn-club Wilpshire on Sunday, May 10.

BROOKDALE’S Spring Cup, a 36-hole major, saw Steve Boyle win by en emphatic four-shot margin after rounds of 72-5-67 and 70-5-65 for 132.

Runner-up was Paul Deighton whose 136 comprised 79-9-70 and 75-9-66 while losing out for second spot on the card was Ross Rosengrove (80-13-67 and 82-13-69).

Leading returns in the first round were George Hinchcliffe (78-16-62), Derek Miller (82-16-66) and Les Corner (80-14-66).

The honours in the second division went to D Bidwell (77-16-61) from Duncan Baird (74-10-64) and Mark Morrow (75-11-64).

The best gross score went to Peter Buckley with 69 and 73 for 142.

WERNETH’S first major of the season saw vice-captain Derek Ashford capture the Spring Eclectic Trophy after a round of 78-12-62 left him two shots clear of runner-up Peter Lomas (83-19-64).
A subsidiary, for those ineligible for the Eclectic Trophy, was won by Lee Appleby (74-13-61) from second-placed Simon Tessier (73-10-63).

The first Tuesday competition, a 13-hole Stableford, saw Geoff Hibbert (30pts) win on the card from John Suttie.

Werneth captain David Whaley and past captain David Whittingham reached the third round of the Daily Mail National Foursomes with a hard-fought 2 &1 win at Stand.

The 36-hole matchplay final of the Fawsitt Cup at OLDHAM, which was held over from last season, saw Steve Mills beat Phil Dockerty 3 & 2.

Mills was four up after 18 holes, Dockerty squared the match after 11 holes of the second round before Mills pulled away again in the closing stages to secure his second major.

The Chronicle Cup qualifier was won by Pete Dowd (78-14-64) on the card from second-placed Terry Garrett (72-8-64) and Steve Daubney (71-7-64).

Tom Mallalieu and Sam Lunt scored 42 points to triumph in a four-ball betterball Stableford from Dave Bruce and Eric Charles (41), John Bramall and Garrett (40).

TOP SPOT

The Spring Foursomes at BLACKLEY were won by Alan Lane and John Hibbert (42pts) on the card from Julian Robinson and Paul Marcroft. Third were Steve Hyde and Andy O’Neill (39).

Winners of a three man Texas scramble were Vinny Doyle, Chris Benton and Alan Howarth with a score of 56.8.

Runners-up were Robinson, Alan and Peter Lane (58.7) while third place went to Des Peacock, Hyde and Bill Radcliffe (59.9).

SADDLEWORTH staged a 12-hole seniors/juniors four-ball Stableford in which Stan Kenyon and Bradley Black headed the entry with 35 points, three clear of runners-up Nigel Cooper and Jack Shaw.

Eric Mirfin and Tom Moody scored 46 points to take top spot in a four-ball betterball Stableford at STAMFORD.

Five pairings had 44 points, but runners-up on the card were Ian Horton and Brian Sidebottom.




LOCAL golfers are being given the chance to receive free coaching from two of the sport’s biggest names.

Former European Tour winner Paul Eales and Kendal McWade, who has coached Paul McGinlay, will be at Bishop’s Park on Saturday, May 9.

They are taking part in ‘Golf Fest 2009’ an event organised by Denshaw-based Jamie Edwards, a mental coach and also a nine-handicap player.

Edwards has worked with Eales and McWade who will be passing on their vast knowledge of the game.

There will be individual coaching, skills challenge and Eales will also do a trick-show routine.

The day begins at 9.30am and players requiring free coaching must register by telephoning Kara on 01457 877722.