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Connor demonstrates prowess

Ian Ogden
24/ 6/2005

Golf

HOPWOOD'S super schoolgirl Rachel Connor confirmed her status as one of the country's leading youngsters while playing for Lancashire in a series of matches against other Northern counties.

The 14-year-old daughter of Hopwood professional Brian Connor had only expected to take part in a couple of the games at the West Lancashire club, Blundellsands, but she finished up playing in all six - and winning all six.

Rachel, who plays off four, then went on to retain the Lancashire schools under-15 title at Lytham Green Drive.

It wasn't quite a family at war when Rochdale Ladies competed in the second captain's qualifier, but there is no doubt who has currently got the bragging rights in the Hoyle household after mum Judith carded a 65 to pip daughter Kim's 67.

One consolation for Kim was that her 74 was the lowest gross of the season so far.

It was a close run thing in the third captain's qualifier at Rochdale where a card play-off gave Jack Binns (11) victory over Dave Healey, playing off 12, after both returned 63s. John Deasey took third spot, one shot further back.

It was even tighter in Tuesday's single stableford when Ian Butterworth, Jonathan Cocker, Matt Watson and Tony Gooding all scored 42 points. Butterworth won with then best back nine.

A similar story at Tunshill where Mark Barry, Alistair Grimshaw and Mark Hilditch all carded 66s in Division One of the third captain's qualifier.

Best nett round of the day was Brent Greaves's 65 in Division Two. He finished one ahead of Phil Lowthian and Phil Crowther.

Tunshill's invitation day on Sunday had to be abandoned because of the afternoon thunderstorm. It has been re-arranged for 24 July.

By playing in the morning Robin Tweedale was able to beat the weather and shoot a 65 to be the winner of Pike Fold's Past Captains' Trophy.

There was some impressive scoring at Springfield in the Championship Cup. John Wallis, playing off seven, won the nett prize with a 60 - one better than Kevin McGee - with Andrew Terry comfortably taking the gross prize with his three-under-par 64.

Gavin Smith was the winner of Lobden's Albert Hill Memorial Trophy. His 61 was five clear of Ian Tweedale and S P Lord.