No surprise as Colinlifts first major trophyof the year at Lurgan

The par fives were the bedrock of his success as a trio of birdies over these three difficult holes bore testament to his long and accurate driving.

A further birdie at the 10th meant a homeward run of 32 which proved vital as two other players had returned similar nett scores.

Jason McCann was the unlucky runner-up with a level par round off 6.

Two pars and two bogeys on each nine made up yet another impressive score for this young player who frequently gives reason for favourable headlines.

The theme of youth continued into third place which Adam McCleary took off a 13 handicap. The highlight of his round came with a birdie at the 6th, one of only two such scores on the day at this difficult hole.

John Wells has been playing very good golf this year and has seen his handicap fall from 16 to 12 in the process. His nett 65, off 15, gave him fourth prize and he will be grateful for the frequent advice of his tutor George Kidd.

Many years ago Peter Alliss presented a TV programme called ‘A Swing that Lasts’, and it would be little surprise if Harry Hoy had been an avid viewer.

That slow, mellifluous swing has remained constant throughout the decades and he lifted yet another prize on Saturday when he took 5th place with a nett 67, off 15.

The gross prize went to David Sutton with 69 helped by birdies at the 1st, 2nd and 15th, but hindered by bogeys at the 11th and 18th.

David’s handicap now stands at +2.4 which surely must be a record low for the club.

Second gross went to Gary Clarke with a level par round which included 4 birdies and 4 bogeys.

No fewer than a dozen players returned nett 68s although one quarter of the field, 56 out of 228, failed to register a score due to 1 or more NRs.

Shot of the day was played by Nathan McCann whose tee shot found the cup at the 17th for what will surely be one of the best pay days of the year.