GED Furey produced a spectacular run of ace, birdie, birdie on the final three holes at Hesketh to propel Pleasington into the Lombard Top Club final.

Pleasington's professional, partnered by amateur Geoff Wilson, staged his last gasp shoot-out to pip the Chorlton pair of pro Dave Screeton and John Kaye by a stroke.

"We were making up the numbers until the 16th," admitted Furey.

"But the ace lifted us to seven under and suddenly we were in with a chance with two par fives to play.

"It was my first ever hole in one in tournament golf."

Six-handicapper Wilson had already smacked his ball out of bounds when Furey stepped up to the 189-yard par three, playing against the wind, with a three-iron.

"I could see the ball resting against the flagstick but the spectators around the green were already applauding the hole-in-one," added Furey.

"As we walked down the fairway the wind eased, the stick straightened and the ball disappeared from view."

Two holes later they had reached the final, to be held in Portugal next month.

"The final's being played on the famous San Lorenzo course which is said to be one of the best in Europe," said Furey who also reached the final of the Hennessy Cognac in the Bahamas in 1988.

"It's been a great season for me and I'd like to thank the members and everyone associated with Pleasington."

Furey begins his defence of the PGA North Region Championship at Mottram Hall tomorrow. ACE FUREY'S LAST GASP WIN BRIAN DOOGAN reports GED FUREY:

Portugal bound

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