James eases into top spot after shooting a stunning 73

This was the first qualifying competition of the new season and James, playing off 12, certainly took full advantage with a stunning 45 points.

His round got off to the best possible start with a birdie three at the first hole.

This was followed by consecutive pars at the second and third holes followed by another birdie at the long par five fourth. Three more pars followed, interrupted briefly at the eighth and ninth holes with two back to back bogey fives to complete the front nine in level par.

James was soon back on track, however, with a run of pars at the next four holes. Two more bogeys at holes 14 and 15 seemed to halt his momentum, but he was soon back on course with a couple of comfortable pars at the next two holes.

A bogey five at the difficult final hole saw James sign for a stunning three over par round of 73 and a points tally of 45 to secure a comfortable and comprehensive victory.

In second place on the day was 19 handicapper Mel Campbell with an excellent 40 points, a round which included eight pars.

Mel, an International angler, certainly caught the field of 230 competitors off guard on the day and hooked his biggest haul of points so far this season.

Chris Mc Quay (8) was a close third with 39 points, beating Tony Higginson (9) on countback, with a round which boasted 10 pars and two birdies.

The prize for Best Gross went to a familiar name in this category.

Darren Crowe maintained his remarkable record at the Cclub by shooting a one under total of 69. Darren, who plays of +2, dropped only two shots in his round, responding with birdies at the second, 13th and 17th.