Route 66 for Kris

GOLF: 

KRIS Sutcliffe shot a gross 66 to win the Zacharias Cup, a major at Crompton and Royton.

The scratch handicapper prevailed by two shots from Steve Horritt (79-11-68), who won a card play-off against third-placed Andy Williamson (76-8-68).

Barry Chadderton (87-19-68) was also in the frame, while five handicapper Alistair Cameron won the lowest gross prize with 73.



DENTON pulled off a shock win in the annual Oldham and District Golf League Brian Atack team tournament played at a superbly-conditioned Crompton and Royton.

Denton had entered only four pairs out of the maximum eight, but that proved strong enough to produce the best three scores (44+43+41=128) and a two-shot winning margin over the host club.

Ashton finished third on 122 while other placings were: 4, Stamford 120; 5, Werneth 117; 6, Dukinfield 116; 7, Brookdale 115; 8, Oldham 111; 9, North Manchester 110; 10, Castle Hawk 107.

The hosts had the consolation of landing the top pairs prize from a £1,400 prize fund through 'A' team captain Andy Bottomley and Mark Barrett with an impressive 45 points.

Denton's 'A' team captain Billy Sutton paired up with Nigel Brookes to claim second on 44.

Martin Dwyer (Stamford) was nearest the pin at the fourth hole, while the longest-drive prize went to Werneth three-handicapper Mark Abbott, who was second out and saw his hugely impressive 293 yard strike to the middle of the 11th fairway unbeaten.



ASHTON’S Luke Kelly was in the England under-16 team which beat their Scotland counterparts 16-9 in an international at Dalmahoy.

Luke teamed up with Angus Flanagan to win his foursomes match 4 and 3, halved his singles matchplay against Aidan Smith, and lost by two shots in an individual medal against Eric McIntosh.

Despite shooting a highly-creditable 70, he was unable to match his opponent’s impressive 68.

Luke (second from right) is pictured with his England team-mates.



SCRATCH handicapper Jordan Whitehouse shot a gross 71 to win round three of Blackley’s Junior Garner competition. Matthew Atherton (83-10-73) was second, followed by Mason Younge (82-8-74).