Davy gives Eggo a scare

MICHEL DAVY ensured Bobby Eggo did not have things all his own way as the island's lowest handicap successfully defended his Royal Guernsey Golf Club Championship. Davy fired a wonderful four-under-par opening round of 66 in the one-day 36 holes competition which Eggo has dominated since his switch from the L'Ancresse more than a decade ago.

Eggo's 2004 performance was not quite up there with the 2003 showing when he fired an untouchable two-round total of 133, seven under par, but at level par it was good neverthless.

But at the halfway stage Davy looked favourite to get his name added to the championship honours board.

His morning effort was his lowest ever gross score.

It included birdies at the short third and seventh holes, either side of a birdie four at the long sixth.

Just the one dropped shot would blemish Davy's opening 18 holes and at lunch he was five shots clear of a chasing group, which included former champions David Warr, Mick Marley and Eggo himself.

Under the watchful eye of professional Chris Douglas in the week leading up to the championship, Davy had made changes in his set-up and swing.

But come the final 18 holes, his concentration wavered a little and a 76 let Eggo in the door to retain the title.

'I've been working hard on my game; I just went out and played in the afternoon and tried not to think about my swing so much,' said Davy as he reflected on things.

As for his 66, he was more than happy. 'I made some good up and downs and gave myself plenty of birdie chances. I'm pleased.'

Chasing a five-shot deficit Eggo might have thought that he would have to match Davy's 66 in order to retain his title.

But fortunately for him he did not need to shoot such a low score and four birdies over the final nine holes sealed a second- round 69 and a level-par 140 total.

With Warr and Marley unable to beat par, the club championship title was Eggo's for the ninth time in the past 12 years.

In the handicap placings, Rob Fearis (12) led the way with an afternoon round of 64 to go with his earlier effort of level par. Junior Wayne Moore finished second on 136.