Mills hold nerve at last to leave Sinkinson as 'bridesmaid' again

FOR the second year running Richard Sinkinson was the 'bridesmaid' at the Guernsey Open Charity Golf Classic. The 33-year-old St Peter Port School PE teacher finished second at last year's event and on Sunday at La Grande Mare he again finished runner-up, this time behind Roland Mills.

Both years saw the amicable Sinkinson lose by just one shot.

You just had to feel sorry for him.

'I have to be happy with second place,' said a clearly disappointed but philosophical Sinkinson afterwards.

'I'm playing reasonably well again.'

The 12-handicapper went round on Saturday in 65 followed by 66 to give him a 36-hole net score of 131.

Knowing that he was within a very good shout of winning, Sinkinson could only stand nervously by the 18th green as he waited for his rival Mills, who was in the last group to come in.

Mills had shot 63 the day before and Sinkinson knew that if the South African came home in 67 or under, the title was not going to be his.

'I'm not confident, I was in the same position last year and someone came in better than me,' said Sinkinson as he waited.

'I lost by one shot. It can't happen again.'

But unfortunately for Sinkinson, it was about to, as the four-handicapped Mills arrived on the 18th green. He had a long 25-yard putt and could get only within six feet of the pin.

And when he missed that initial putt, things started to look up for Sinkinson, but when Mills sank the six footer, it was game over for the teacher.

Although he did not know it then as the cards had to be counted up, but as Mills had hit 67, the title was his.

'I'm very pleased, I set myself some goals this year and that was one of them,' said the 30-year-old accountant.

'I've been working closely with the Guernsey Golf Development Squad and I've got better focus on my game this year and it seems to be working. But I was not playing that well, I couldn't find the fairways today.

'I was working really hard to get the greens although I hit two birdies on the back nine, which lifted my spirits because I was slipping away at one point.'

Adam Lilley finished third with former St Martin's Priaulx footballer Pierre Jehan coming home in fourth.

Their performances ensured their team, the Fore Amigos, which also contained Matt Neville and Robbie Moore, won the team cup.

Tony De Sousa bagged himself a double over the weekend as he won the longest drive event on the 18th on Saturday, which he followed by taking Sunday's nearest the pin competition on the second hole.

Tournament organiser Deputy Ivan Rihoy confirmed that more than £5,000 had been raised for Grow Ltd and You Can Do It Foundation among other charities.

His heart also went out to Sinkinson.

'You've got to feel sorry for Sinky,' he said.

'In 17 years no one has won has won it twice but ironically we've seen a guy finish runner-up at back to back tournaments. It's incredible.

'We're over the moon with how it's gone. It's been a great, successful weekend.

'We've got to sing the praises of the organising committee, our sponsors and La Grande Mare for allowing us to use their course. We'll be back.'