THE delayed and reduced County Strokeplay Championship saw a good field of top players enjoy the superb and very green Delamere Forest course over two days of excellent golf.

The first day saw few par beating scores as a strong wind made playing conditions tough.

Ian Keenan recently returned to amateur ranks after a long professional career and made Delamere Forest his home club which he had first played as an amateur in 1994, and he showed his class and experience as he posted a best round one score of 69 to lead by two shots from Sam Johnson (Astbury), Jack Duncalf (Sandiway), County Junior Captain Matthew Dodd-Berry (Royal Liverpool) , Chris Chilton (Mere) and Ryan Owen (Styal).

The wind relented on day two and better scores were posted led by Liam Gobin (Sandiway) and Tom Garnett (Chorlton) with 67’s that saw them move to level par with Harry Beavan (Crewe) and Jack Duncalf.

Tom Doran (Delamere) made his move with 68 to draw level with Sam Johnson (Astbury) on 141.

Jon Beesley had a terrific round that saw him post nine birdies but he also had five bogeys which were to prove crucial as Ian Keenan kept up his consistent play matching Beesley’s 68 to finish as the new champion by three shots.

The top two were presented with their magnificent trophies by CUGC President Dave Durling (Shrigley Hall) and he thanked all at Delamere for their excellent efforts on and off the course, the CUGC members for their hard work in staging an excellent championship.

Delamere will be hosting the Centenary Championship in 2021.