So when new Peterborough Milton club champion Jamie Wilson handed over a few quid to a workmate for a second-hand one the day before the start of the championship, little did he know his investment would pay such immediate dividends.

But after negotiating 36 holes of golf over one of the area's most demanding courses in just 50 putts with his new blade, Wilson had every right to reflect on money well spent.

Rounds of 70 and 75 containing a grand total of five birdies and an eagle meant that Wilson could even afford a triple bogey at the last and still finish a shot clear of Adrian Firman, who finished two shots behind with a two-round total of 147.

"I was really pleased with the win as I have been trying to get my hands on the Bruce Cup for some time now and against such a strong field makes it all the more special," said Wilson

"What I found very pleasing was my putting as I only had 50 putts all the way round and for that I have one of my workmates to thank.

"I bought a putter off him on the Friday and it must have done me a bit of good as I putted really well throughout and that made a massive difference and despite the treble bogey at the last I still got it done."

The win was made all the more special as last year the 25 year-old consultant from Crowland was pipped to the post when double bogeying the last hole.

He added: "Having lost it last year on the last it was nice to put that right despite not playing the last particularly well.

"I have won the Thorpe Wood club championship and have twice been a junior champion here at Milton but I would have to say that this is the highlight of my career so far.

"The one under par 70 I shot on the Saturday really set it up for me and that is the best round I shot all year so I couldn't have picked a better time to do it really."

The battle for the Craig Cup for handicap players was just as fierce with Ted Dunn just edging it in a tense play-off from Neil Brown after both players has completed their 36 holes for 137 shots.



PETERBOROUGH Milton young stars Tom Burgh and Ryan Rowe have been selected to represent Northamptonshire in the final of the Midland Under 18 Championship.

Northants qualified for the event after winning the Midlands East League.

The match will take place at Gay Hill Golf Club on October 15 – Rowe has been named as reserve.



SEAN Buckle is the new holder of the Thorney Lakes junior championship. Buckle's round of 83 was enough to secure him the Alan Rowe Trophy by three shots from John Abbott in second with Chris Rippon in third on 87.