DERRICK Cooper stormed to victory in the Bradford and Bingley Manx Classic for the second time in three years despite a valiant effort from Burnley-based professional Paul Carman.

The Birchwood-attached European Tour stalwart beat the elements in the final round to post a one-under-par four round total of 287 to finish three shots ahead of Carman in Britain's biggest pro-am.

And after picking up three birdies amid the howling gales on the final afternoon, Cooper then admitted: "I went through five gloves and two towels and but for my caddie, there was no way I could have shot a score like that."

Carman, who now pros at Huddersfield, saw his chances dashed after a triple bogey seven at the notorious Road Hole fifth, on his way to a final round 76.

But he still carried off a cheque for £2,350 after a 70 and two 72s were enough to earn him outright second place with a four round two-over-par total of 290.

David Shacklady, a teaching pro at Yarrow Valley in Chorley, finished joint third on 292.

Pleasington's Ged Furey put himself in contention going into the final round with a 69 in third round.

But a 78 on the final afternoon saw him finish equal 13th.

Wilpshire's Simon Townend finished 23rd on 13-over.

And Jeff Mathews, of Blackburn Golf Driving Range, was 28th on 16 over.

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