BEVERLEY Scholes flies the local flag in the final of the Bury and District Golf Association women's championship at Harwood Golf Club this evening.

Bury member Bev carded the top qualifying score with an 80 to reach the last eight and knocked out Sylvia Martin of Harwood and another "homer", Lucielle Grime in the quarter and semi-finals respectively.

Now she is up against Rita Towler of Harwood in the final and that should prove to be a real gripper of a contest after Rita knocked out many people's favourite for this year's title, Bury's Andrea Holt, at the first extra hole after a tough semi-final tussle.

Despite losing out to Rita, Andrea, who lost out in last year's final to the legendary Sue Warrington, is tipping Bev to be wearing the BDGA crown tonight.

"From what I have seen, I would put my money on Bev," said Holt, "but Rita is a fighter and it is on her home course, which gives her an advantage.

"It will be close and it should be a good match," added Andrea.

Looking back on her semi-final defeat to Towler, Andrea said: "I should have finished it off, but my putting let me down. I had six chances and I never got one in. I blew it.

"It was down to nerves more than anything, not a lack of ability. I know a lot of people thought I was in with a chance of winning the title this year and that put a bit of pressure on me.

"I was in control against Rita, but that's golf for you -- if you don't get your putts in, you don't win."

SCORES -- Qualifiers: Bev Scholes (Bury) 80, Andrea Holt (Bury) 83, Rita Towler (Harwood) 84, Lucielle Grime (Harwood) 85, Sheila Heaton (Lowes Park) 90, Katie Rhodes (Greenmount) 92, Sue Lee (Harwood) 95, Sylvia Martin (Harwood) 96.

Quarter-finals: Scholes 2up v Martin, Holt 6 and 5 v Lee, Towler 3 and 1 v Rhodes, Grime 6 and 4 v Heaton.

Semi-finals: Scholes 4 and 3 v Grime, Holt v 19th Towler.

Final: Scholes v Towler.