Bogey laid by Le Noury

ALAN LE NOURY has finally got his hands of the Braye du Valle Trophy. The L'Ancresse player lost the 2002 final to Danny Bisson on the first extra hole, but three years later he was back to claim the prestigious inter-club matchplay title played off handicap, beating Danny Vennard 4 and 3 in the final.

Le Noury won despite a first-hole bogey that blighted him all week.

In all four rounds he lost the opening hole, just as he did against Bisson in sudden-death in 2002.

'I chipped and putted well, though,' said the new champion, who rolled in a 35-footer to win the fourth with a four, the only shot he had to give his opponent.

Vennard had won the opening hole with a par four but Le Noury, who plays off six, levelled at the third.

Once ahead, he never lost control and was three up at the turn.

'He played very well too, but just made a few mistakes,' said Le Noury of his opponent.

After enjoying a bye in the first round, Le Noury opened his campaign with a comfortable win over James Le Page, a 3 and 2 victory over Mark Le Messurier in the quarters and 4 and 3 against Rainer Schimek in the semi-finals.