Eaton Golf Club were great hosts for the Cheshire Senior Championships played over two days on a well-presented course and their slick greens with subtle slopes provided a real challenge for the players.

On the first day Stephen Blakeway (Heyrose) was the only player to beat par in the entire competition as he posted 71 to finish four shots clear of Gareth Bradley (Bramhall), Neil Waite (Vicars Cross) and John Williams (Prestatyn).

But the leaders were not able to maintain their momentum in round two as they were overtaken by the chasing pack.

The best round of 73 came from former Withington Golf Club Captain Martin Keates (now Prestbury) to take his aggregate score to 150.

It proved to be enough to win the competition and become the new Cheshire Seniors Champion ahead of Brian Newman (Bromborough) 151, former champion Martin Grimley (Ringway) and Martin France (Lymm) both 153 and Tim Christie (Northenden) and Gareth Bradley both 154.

The age group winners were Martin Keates 55-59 years, Tim Christie 60-64 years and Brian Newman over 65.

Martin attributed some of success to playing a practice round with two times Ryder Cup player David Gilford saying: “This helped with my driving as he has such great rhythm and also my partner Chris Mitchelson (Wallasey) who gave me a putting tip (after the round!) - to move the ball slightly forward at address and both of these certainly played a part in my victory.”

Cheshire President, David Durling, thanked all Eaton for their superb course and excellent hospitality and organisation in the clubhouse to make this a very pleasant experience for all of the players and the hard-working Cheshire officials.

Eaton Captain Simon Dangar, who finished in a very creditable 12th place in the competition replied on behalf of the club and their delight at being the hosts of the competition during the much interrupted Centenary year that they share with Cheshire.

Photos & copy courtesy Geoff Garnett