NICK UTTLEY fought back from three down after seven holes of the Harold Ryden Trophy final to win the competition for the first time last night.

The 35-year-old - backed by a small contingent of supporters from his Nelson club - silenced the home crowd against Blackburn player Anthony Harwood.

Harwood, who is just 20 and playing in his first Harold Ryden final, raced into a three-hole lead at the seventh but experience shone through in the end.

Uttley, who has made around 50 appearances for Lancashire, fought back to eventually win the tie by two holes with one to play.

He was two down at the ninth and had pulled level by the 14th. He then went on to win the 15th and 16th needing only to halve to 17th - which he did - to win the tie.

Harwood said it was difficult to get back into the game after Uttley drew level.

"I really fancied my chances after going three up. I felt really good and I was playing really well and things weren't going for him but then it was almost like he was a different player.

"He wasn't playing any different but he started hitting some really good shots and I couldn't beat him.

"It was tough to get back into it but it taught me a little bit about playing under pressure and what it takes to beat a good player.

"I am a bit disappointed but I enjoyed the whole experience. It was hard playing against Nick, he's a good player, but I enjoyed it.

"And hopefully I'll have plenty more chances to win it in the future."

ELGA secretary Frank Wharton said the competition had been a great success.

"There were around 120 people watching last night, including a good contingent from Nelson, but most were supporting Anthony.

"Nick's been around for a long time, he's an experienced player."