Newton shines on home patch
THE horrendous summer weather struck again to take out a big chunk of the Cheshire Strokeplay Championships at a magnificent and pristine Prestbury course.
Home star James Newton set the pace on day one in good conditions posting a four under par 67 to take the lead from Steven Capper (Caldy) 68 and Lewis George (Delamere Forest) and Josh Garside (Prestbury), both 69.
A further shot back and well in contention were Ashley Sage (Sandiway), Joe Armitt (Prestbury), Curtis Brokenbrow (Stockport), Matt Jordan (Royal Liverpool) and Josh Turnock (Prestbury)
Day two saw a cloudburst in mid-competition cause the round to be called off as the course was unplayable. It was decided, due to another poor weather forecast, to let the top 58 players from the original entry of 130 to play one more round to decide the championship and it proved to a wise decision as more heavy showers again hit Prestbury on the final day. But they did not unduly disturb James Newton as he posted a second round of 69 for a winning score of 136 to finish three shots clear of Matt Murray (Lymm) who had a best-of-the-day 68 to win the Israel Sidebottom Trophy as the championship runner-up.
It was the second time that James has put his name on the Championship Trophy as he won for the first time in 2013 at Eaton Golf Club with a four-round total of 284.
Also in the frame were Tom Dolan (Heswall) and Matt Jordan, both 142, Joe Armitt 143 and Styal junior Ryan Nevins, Josh Garside (Prestbury) and Ashley Sage (Sandiway) all 144.
James Newton will now represent Cheshire in the National County Championships at Woodhall Spa in September.
As well as the Championship Trophy James also won the TPD Taylor Trophy as the leading Colt and helped his Prestbury team to win the team trophy and they will go on to represent Cheshire in the national finals later in the season.
He also took the trophy for the best first round return and Matt Murray won the trophy for best second round score.
The winner of the leading o35 player was Ashley Sage with a 144 total.
The prizes and trophies were presented by Cheshire President Roy Smethurst (Crewe GC) and he also presented the Prestbury Captain Ian Smith with a Cheshire shield and thanked Prestbury for their excellent hosting of the competition that will be staged at Bromborough Golf Club in 2017.
Ian Smith thanked the Cheshire officials for their efficiency and hard work in difficult circumstances and also everyone at the club particularly the green staff who had been working on the course from 4am each day.