Red-hot Sutcliffe targets hat-trick

ALL YOURS . . . Kris Sutcliffe (right) receives the Royton sword from Crompton and Royton captain Gordon Lamb.

GOLF:

KRIS Sutcliffe is enjoying an unrivalled summer of success on the local golf circuit.

Two weeks after delivering the goods in the District Championship at Saddleworth, the 39-year-old proved a cut above his rivals in the Royton Sword.

The Crompton and Royton member clinched the latest Cleveland Srixon Northern Order of Merit title by four shots — and is now setting his sights on more silverware.

Sutcliffe takes part in the Club Championship this weekend and few would bet against him making it a hat-trick.

The Royton Sword was played over 18 holes instead of 36 because of heavy rain.

Sutcliffe fired a two-under-par 68 to finish clear of Roger Smithies (Manchester Hopwood), who edged out Rob Fawcett, of Dukinfield, on a card play-off.

The one handicapper, who holds the amateur course record at Crompton and Royton, thanked his brother Lee for keeping his gear dry as the awful weather closed in.

“He offered to caddie for me and I’m glad he did,” said Sutcliffe.

“We used two towels, but it was impossible to keep dry and I could sympathise with the players in the Open at Royal St George’s,”

As conditions deteriorated, Sutcliffe stormed ahead of the field by grabbing a hat-trick of birdies from the 15th, which included chipping in from off the green for a two at the 190-yard 16th.

“I knew the second round would be abandoned because of the weather and I expected organisers to call it off before they did. It was a pity because I know how important these events are.

“I’ve not played in many, but I’ve always wanted to win this one.

“It’s a high standard and I’m planning to enter a few more this season.”

The Anniversary Salver for the best nett was decided by a card play-off as Ian Meeds (75-5-70, Ellesmere GC) prevented Crompton and Royton’s Andy Simpson (75-5-70) from picking up the coveted award for the second time.