Runner-up slot repeat for Gary

Crompton and Royton Golf Club Swaord presentation. (l-r) Winner of the Anniversary Salver Stuart Crompton, President Paul Hopkinson, Sword winner Ciaran Doherty, Captain Gordon Lamb and runner up Gary Melling

GARY Melling, runner-up in the recent Oldham District Championship, had to settle for second prize again in the prestigious Royton Sword.

On his home course of Crompton and Royton, Melling produced a fine first round of 68 before letting it slip slightly in the second with a 74 for a total of 142.

That return left him two shots adrift of the winner, Bury’s Ciaran Doherty, whose victory hoisted him into contention for the coveted Galvin Green Northern Order of Merit title.

The Lancashire County player from Bury finished runner-up last year, but work commitments have restricted his appearances this season.

Doherty’s best-of-the-day first round 67, which included five birdies in his first eight holes, was followed by a 73 for a level par total and a two-shot victory.

Doherty moved into eighth place in the rankings, 240 points adrift of leader and England international Paul Kinnear (Formby) who is playing in this week's Open Championship at St Andrews, along with Longridge's Mark Young, who won the Merit last year.

Crompton and Royton had three other players in the frame in the Sword.

Kris Sutcliffe had rounds of 73 and 74 for 147 and joint third place alongside Manchester’s Roger Smithies.

Sutcliffe’s club-mate Rob Cull (78 and 70) was a shot behind on 148 along with another Crompton and Royton player, John-Paul Ralph (72 and 76).