PGA Cup winning captain and former Wessex Golf Centre professional Jon Bevan’s first Pro-Am win since returning from Wales to the West Country this year came over his new home course at Sherborne.

Back after a three-year break, he shared top place with Mark Searle (High Post) and Lee Thompson (Dudsbury) all carding six-under-par rounds of 66 on a day of low scoring in favourable conditions in the Dorset countryside.

Searle made it back-to-back success after his maiden win at Taunton and Pickeridge.

It was last year’s Order of Merit winner Thompson’s first win this summer.

In-form James Ruth (China Fleet) was fourth one shot behind. He led the birdie bonanza with eight but dropped three shots. Thompson and Searle made seven, with just one bogey each. Bevan’s flawless round contained 12 pars and six birdies.

Charlie Cossins (Ogbourne Downs), Louis Boston (Windmill Golf Academy), Ross Langdon (Brickhampton Court), Kevin Harper (East Devon) and Paul Hendriksen (Ivybridge) were joint fifth with rounds of 68.

More than half the field – 19 players – equalled or beat par. Such was the standard and the excellent condition of the golf course, every one of the 37 teams completed in a sub-par

score.

Richard Dinsdale (Asbri) won the team prize with the Still team of Roger Paull, Bill Foote and Rees Wilson on 94 points.

Andrew Larson, Nolan Lewis and Anthony Davis with Louis Boston (Windmill Hill) were runners- up on 93 while Searle led Mark Beveridge, Doug Gilberson and Jim Gilberson into third place on 91.

Chris Warren won the day’s most unusual prize.

The Sherborne golfer took home an expensive truckle of cheese after his drive at the 13th finished closed to the polythene truckle on the 13th fairway, presented by Montgomery Cheeses.

Bevan, who is running into form now the season is well underway, followed success in the previous event at Sherborne by sharing second in the Players’ Championship Pro-Am at Cumberwell

Park.

His only blemish was a dropped shot on the short third as he carded 67 with six birdies.

New European Tour player Laurie Canter hit a hot streak on the warmest day of the year to win on his home course.

A round of 66 with six birdies and 12 pars brought a one-stroke success. Liam Bond (Marriott St Pierre) and Newquay’s Chris Gill also shared second with

Bevan.