PAUL Dwyer will not be defending the Harold Ryden Trophy, the most prestigious event in local amateur golf, at Darwen Golf Club.

The 22-year-old from Clitheroe is hoping to play a major role for Lancashire in the Northern Championship instead (see separate story).

"It's unfortunate that the two events clash as I would like to have defended my title," admitted Dwyer.

Sixty players with handicaps of six or under will tee up on Saturday, all hoping to succeed Dwyer as East Lancashire champion.

Eight will qualify from the opening round to play in the matchplay stages starting Monday and concluding with the final on Wednesday.

The winner receives courtesy of all courses in East Lancashire for 12 months.

Only two players, Tony Jackson from Blackburn and Nelson's Nick Uttley, are off scratch but scoring is expected to be hot.

The hilly, moorland course has only a few bunkers in total and the fairways are reasonably generous.

But it is a tough test for any amateur player and one that Jackson, who made his comeback for Lancashire this season, is looking forward to.

"I'm playing well and I'm confident," said Jackson, who has reached the semi-finals for the last two years.

"It's an awkward course with all the contours.

"I think the Darwen players have a distinct advantage.

"But I've played the course many times and I've done my homework.

"The important thing is to shoot a good score on Saturday to qualify for the matchplay stage where anything can happen."

The most successful player in the event's history is Gary Hindle of Great Harwood Golf Club, winner in 1978, '79, '80, '81 and '87 and runner-up on three other occasions.

He rocketed right back into form last weekend in the ELGA Scratch Shield at Wilpshire, firing a sizzling 66 to claim the Scratch Medal.

Nick Uttley has not hit form like that all season, costing him a place on the Lancashire six-man team this weekend.

Having not played in the event since 1989, when he lost in the semis, he is particularly keen to perform well.

"It's been a nightmare season for me," admitted the 29-year-old who works as a sales rep for Pennine Data Forms in Blackburn.

"I'm trying to groove out the rough edges in my swing.

"The Amateur Championship at Turnberry didn't go well for me.

"So I'm looking to go out and do something at Darwen."

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