TEN-HANDICAPPER Dave Bolton scorched round the back nine at Came Down Golf Club to take the honours in the top Division of the historic club's January Medal event.

A member at Came Down since 1986, Bolton tackled a course playing to nearly it's full potential - only three greens were not on their usual sites - and a field of over 130 players.

He followed a steady 40 for the front nine by blasting his way to a 36 or net four-under for holes 10 to 18. However his win was only decided on a scorecard count out with eventual runner-up John Moore (net 66). Third, also on net 66, was the unlucky Mark Osborne. Fourth by just one shot (67) was Reg Banks.

Division Two honours were shared by scores of net 68 for the top five places. Ian Monks was fourth, third place was James Walmsley, runner-up was David James and the winner by scorecard count out was Paul Southern. Unluckiest of all was Graham Vile, also on net 68, who lost out on the prizes because of an inferior back nine total.

Division Three caused the competition committee to adjudicate on a potential infringement of the rules by eventual runner-up Roger Thompson.

Thompson, a regular competitor, inadvertently returned his scorecard without his signature on the card.

Returning a scorecard without two signatures would normally mean an immediate disqualification.

However the committee ruled that as Thompson had posted a note in the locked scorecard box immediately he realised his mistake and had informed the club PGA professional of the problem, his score should stand.

Thompson said: "I was so happy to be back in the warm clubhouse and out of the frosty weather that I posted my score in the box completely forgetting to sign my card!

"I immediately added a note to the competition committee and I'm very happy they have adjudicated in this fair manner."

Clear-cut winner on net 66 was John Simmonds with Roger Thompson taking a close second from Fergus Guppy also on 67 and Ron Skilton 68. Fergus Guppy has recently been elected as junior captain and started his season well with this third place. Unluckily counted out of the prizes was another youngster Matt Lawes.

The growing popularity of the competitions at Came Down has been attributed to the club's new 'open door' policy. New club manager Mike Varney commented: "The club made a very forward looking decision in December to drop the joining fee for membership."