Mitchell survives hiccup

JACK MITCHELL lost a ball on the opening hole, but hit back to beat Emile Thompson 3 and 2 in the junior matchplay championship final at L'Ancresse. Mitchell, the top seed, was in trouble at three down after five holes before mounting a determined fightback which saw him level by the eighth and be one up by the turn.

Thompson immediately levelled again, before Mitchell made his decisive move at the start of the inward half.

A par four at the 11th reestablished his lead and at the short 12th he doubled it with another par.

Mitchell found the green on the par three, while his opponent blocked his tee-shot and could see his chances fading.

The 13th was halved in fours, but at the long 14th Mitchell got up and down from just short of the green for a birdie and he was within sight of retaining his title.

* Geoff Davies beat Kevin Lycett on the 19th hole to become Guernsey seniors champion yesterday and earn a place in the CI final on Saturday 10 September.