Doherty’s sword play gives him edge

Ciaran Doherty

GOLF:

CIARAN Doherty, fresh from helping Lancashire defeat Yorkshire in the Daily Telegraph Northern Counties League 24 hours earlier, retained the Royton Sword by a margin of five strokes.

The Bury player trailed a shot behind his club-mate Mike Bennett after his opening round of 71 at Crompton and Royton but stepped up a gear in the afternoon with five birdies in a 67 for a two-under-par total.

Brookdale’s Joe Brice, a double Srixon Northern Order of Merit winner this season, continued his excellent recent form with second place on countback after rounds of 71 and 74.

Crompton and Royton’s Andy Allen, the Oldham and District Championship hero in 2012, was fourth on the day.

However, he did pick up the Anniversary Salver for the best nett scores of 71 and 70 for a 141, from club-mate Andrew Bottomley (72+73=145).

Kris Sutcliffe, also of Crompton and Royton and winner of the Royton Sword in 2011, recorded rounds of 76 and 74.