Gavey storms through to win by a stroke

A TWO-UNDER par round saw James Gavey emerge victorious in yesterday's La Grande Mare Open.

The former St Martin's Priaulx League striker came out on top of the theloanshop.gg-sponsored competition by one stroke on a day when play was temporarily suspended during the afternoon because of a thunderstorm. By then, Gavey had already carded his excellent net 62 to lead in the clubhouse and he was not to be beaten by the later starters.

Playing off the competition maximum handicap of 24 – he actually began the day with a personal handicap of 25 – Gavey started steadily with three consecutive net pars before his one major blip of the round as he took nine on the demanding fourth hole. His response, though, was back-to-back net birdies on the next two holes and he completed his front nine with a four net two on the ninth to reach the turn in one-over-par 33.

Gavey enjoyed a stellar back nine with net birdies on the 12th, 13th and 17th holes as well as his second net eagle of the round on the 15th.

It all amounted to a gross 86, net 62, to claim victory by one from L'Ancresse member Ken Tucknott, with Chris Gnapp third, a further shot back.