KEN Hudson again established himself as the top singles match player when Grange Park gold club staged its men's knockout finals on Sunday.

Playing off a one handicap, Ken made it three Presidents prize victories in four years - a feat unprecedented in the club's 108-year history.

But he received his strongest final day challenge yet from five-handicapper Mark Garrett who battled back from two down with four to play to all square after 16 (where he was within inches of a hole in one). Mark then got up and down with a superb shot from wet sand to half 17 before matching Ken from tee to green on 18 where both had chances to win outright.

As it was two tap in par fours meant they had to go to extra holes. Both players hit excellent drives on the first but Ken hit what proved to be the crucial second shot with Mark on this occasion failing to get up and down to force Ken to putt.

Ironically, the two had battled shoulder to shoulder earlier in the day in the four ball better ball final. Again it went all the way but after a delay - while water was brushed off the 18th green - it was scratch team captain Andy Twist who made the crucial putt for birdie and the match. Andy, off three, was ably partnered by former Presidents Prize winner Simon Harvey, off nine.

In the other final played on Sunday Chris Sephton had a more comfortable victory by beating Dave Bowes 6 and 5 in the Provisional Members knock-out.

Earlier in the week it was the ladies turn and Anne Lorenz became knock-out champion with some excellent play to beat Sue Jennion. In the four ball better ball Viv Varley and Sylvia Bromilow overturned the form book to beat their lower handicap counterparts Carol Potter and Bernie Marsh at the 17th.

Saturday's results, stableford competition: 1st Fred Whalley, off 15 with 39 points; 2nd Frank Callagher (23), 37 points (after card play-off); 3rd Dave Molyneux (7), 37 points; 4th Danny Seddon (5), 36 points.

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