NICK Dougherty's dream of capturing the Amateur Championship title is over for another year.

The Shaw Hill starlet crashed out of the matchplay stages at the first hurdle yesterday following a 2 and 1 defeat at the hands of England International Mark Hilton.

The 17-year-old Lancashire player was two up after five holes in the driving rain at Royal County Down in Northern Ireland.

But 6ft 7in giant Hilton, who lost to Spaniard Sergio Garcia in the semi finals last year, suddenly made his presence felt and he was level by the seventh and two up by the 12th.

Dougherty couldn't claw his way back and Hilton now faces a third round match with Chris Roake, of Gerrards Cross, who beat Irish hero Ken Kearney.

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