MARK Rothwell regained the Turton Club Championship after a testing final challenge from Chris Hulmes.

The qualifying rounds were held in gale force conditions and only Rothwell and defending champion Adam Bullough played two rounds close to their handicap.

Bullough succumbed to Hulmes in the first round at the first extra hole while Rothwell came from behind to once again pip Mike Burtonwood, also at the 19th. Hulmes made short work of former champion John O'Hara in the semi-final whilst Rothwell beat Jeff Dykins.

In the final, Hulmes, having qualified for the matchplay stage for the first time, was unlucky to find a very awkward position in the bunker at the first which immediately gave the advantage to his more seasoned opponent.

He levelled the match at the short fourth but this was the last time the game was level as Rothwell won the next two holes.

The second division championship went to Andrew Foy who beat Steve Welshman at the last and Mark Jones won the third division in a closely fought contest with Colin Hounslea.

The Ladies Championship saw a surprising result when Jessie Baxter beat Bolton Ladies Champion Hilary Hibbert by no less than 5 and 4. Jessie appeared back to her very best and made the most of a moderate breeze which caused her opponent some problems.

Never behind, Jessie finished off in fine style with birdies at the 12th and 13th to secure a well deserved victory.