THE two clubs that have dominated the Bolton Golf Association championships recently resume combat in tonight's final.

Dunscar's Gareth Hastie and Tim Philbin from Hindley Hall resume the rivalry in an intriguing showdown to what has been a high class championship.

Both are in outstanding form but their tendency to hit the wayward shot adds spice to what will surely be another keenly fought contest.

Last night's semi-finals at Dunscar could not have been closer. Philbin, the 1995 champion and runner-up in 1990, had to wait until the 18th hole before accounting for leading qualifier Gavin Hamer of Old Links.

The lead regularly changed hands but neither player could manage a two-shot advantage. The 17th proved the turning point when Hamer's second shot went through the green and Philbin maintained his composure to take the hole. Hamer, only 17, felt the pressure in the final hole and when he left his second shot to the green short there was no way back as Philbin won by two holes.

Hastie led two up after five holes but Old Links' David Jones clawed his way back. They both produced superb putts for twos at the 16th before Hastie clinched victory on the final green.

The 18-year-old produced a magnificent chip that clinched him a place in his second successive final.

Hastie, a Lancs 'B' player, said: "Obviously I would like to go one better than last year, but it all depends on what happens on the day."

Philbin expects a tough contest from Hastie who has home advantage.

"I am hitting the ball nicely but not putting too well. Hopefully I can get it to work in the final," he said.

Tonight's final, sponsored by Print, Art and Design and Guppy Paper, starts at 5pm.

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