Chris crowned champion

CHRIS RABBICH banished the label of nearly man as he finally lifted the Club Championship at Crompton and Royton.

The 20-year-old had finished runner-up on three previous occasions including last year when he lost in a play-off against Kris Sutcliffe.

This time there was no mistake in the 36-hole major as Rabbich, from Shaw, had a five-shot winning margin over Sutcliffe in the scratch competition.

Rabbich, who is on a four-year scholarship at Oklahoma Christian University, shot 72 and 68 for 140, his two-under-par second round comprising two birdies and 16 pars as he produced rock-solid form.

Sutcliffe shot 74 and 71 for 145 while third place went to Phil Delaney (75 and 73 for 148) on the card from Mark Barrett (74 and 74 for 148).

In fifth place with 149 was Gary Melling who returned 77 and 72.

The Holden Cup for the best nett score over 36 holes went to Delaney with 68 and 66 for 134. Second was Mark Barrett 68 and 68 for 136).

Nett 140 was returned by Andy Frizzell, Rabbich, Stuart Hopkinson, Dave Holme and Gary McHugh.

Rabbich’s rich vein of form continued with victory in the first division of a singles Stableford as he shot 41 points which equated to a gross 65.

Second was John Brame (38pts) on the card from James Frizzell while Robert Calow, Keith Ward and Mark Sinfield amassed 36 points.

The clear winner of the second division was George Shepherd with 41 points. Second was Peter Wright (38pts) on the card from John Brock.

Mark Healey, Ken Jackson, James Blackburn and Roy Gaskell all scored 37.

Andy Hirst topped the field in the first division of a singles Stableford with 43 points. Second was Rob Hogarth (41) while third place went to Melling (40).

The runaway winner of the second division was David Lord (41) from Mark Power (38) who was runner-up on the card from Roy Gaskell.

SADDLEWORTH’S monthly medal was won by Mick Harrington after a three-way card play-off. He returned 71-3-68.

Runner-up was Geoff Allen (81-13-68) while third place went to Ben Simpson (73-5-68).

GARETH HEY had a week to remember at WERNETH. The talented teenager won a medal competition with a score of 67-7-60 and then went on to record a hole in one in the June monthly medal.

The 17-year-old’s ace came on the par-three third, which measures 153 yards.

Hey held off the challenge of Steve Britt (74-7-62), who finished second on the card from Terry Rowe (80-18-62).

The first division prize in the June monthly medal went to Michael Farrimond.

He carded 65-5-60 to finish three clear of Mike Fogo (70-7-63).

Jack Fellows won division two with a round of 79-18-61, from John Finnigan (83-20-63).

The third qualifier for Captain’s Prize at BLACKLEY was won by Chris Benton (70-8-62) on the card from Dave Bauser (73-11-62).

Third was Steve Newton (77-13-64) on countback from John McDonald (76-12-64).

OLDHAM were beaten 4-3 at home by Ellesmere in the Archie Preston Mixed Foursomes.

Local winners were Edythe Turner and Eric Charles (4&3), Lynn Kershaw and Steven Squires (1 up), Sheila Antrobus and Ian Radcliffe (5&4).

Winners of a four-ball betterball medal were Dave Hewitt and Rick Sweet (57) from Barry Lewis and Steve Taylor (58).

Third were Mick Ganley and Peter Dockerty (59) on the card from Damian Chadwick and Tony Caveney, Mark Furnival and David Bailey.

Sam Gilbey and Mike Allen triumphed in a four-ball betterball Stableford after amassing 48 points.

Runners-up were Terry Garrett and Damian Chadwick (46) while third were Colin Hare and Phil Dennis (45) on the card from Brian Ogden and Bob Jones.