Hamerton’s near miss in Lancs Open

FORMER Brookdale assistant professional Grant Hamerton had to settle for joint fifth place in the the James Brearley Lancashire Open at Blackpool North Shore.

Now professional at Pike Fold, near Bury, Hamerton had high hopes of winning the prestigious event after shooting 67 in the first round.

That put him three shots behind leader Kris Andrews at the halfway stage and a second-round 72 was not sufficient to improve his position.

Andrews, professional at Ashton-on-Mersey, but originally from Droylsden, held on for a one-shot victory despite his second-round 73.

The 31-year-old said: “I'm just a club pro from Droylsden who likes to play and have a good day out.

“I did not expect to win a competition like this, but these last two days will stay with me forever. It's the pinnacle of my career."

Andrews’ first-round 64 included an eagle on the last green where he holed his nine-iron approach from 148 yards.

Lancashire County and former England player Paul Kinnear, from Formby, went round in 68 and 76 to claim the leading amateur prize.