ROB MAIN won't have time to worry about defending his Bury and District Golf Association title...he's first out at eight o'clock in the morning!

He pairs up with Andrew Siddle (Rossendale) in Sunday's 36-hole qualifier at Harwood with their second 18 holes scheduled to get under way at 12.30pm.

But an early breakfast and a light lunch appears to be a recipe for success for the Lowes Park member. He led off last year when he won the championship's Harry Vardon Trophy. for the first time.

The man he defeated, Rossendale's Andrew Westwell, is having yet another crack at a title he won in 1998, but this year's event carries all the hallmarks of a cliffhanger with a plethora of past matchplay qualifiers in action.

The leading eight players on Sunday will go forward to the 'sudden death' quarter finals on Monday evening and then Tuesday and Wednesday see the semi-final and final.

Local knowledge should strengthen the hopes of Paul Smethurst, who was a quarter finalist twelve months ago, while former title holder Howard Nicholson will be hoping to turn the clock back to his glory year, 1984.

Another former winner keen to do well at Harwood Andrew Dunn (Greenmount) who won the title eight years ago at Lowes Park.

Spectators will be welcome and the presentations will take place in the Harwood clubhouse as soon as possible after the final. Holder Rob gets an early start! Full draw on page 63