VIDEO - Evans comes through an epic to earn shot at Eggo

Of the four preliminary round ties to finalise the last 16 of the fourth edition of the Ravenscroft Open Matchplay, one tie stood out and with light fading fast Arthur Evans earned a crack against defending champion Bobby Eggo with the type of golf that is just the requirement for success on the par 64 circuit – be straight, be straight again and putt well.

The South African was impeccable in that regard as he finally overcame the new La Grande Mare course record holder CJ Elmy in the longest ever match to be played in the short history of the Ravenscroft on the fourth extra hole.

Behind them, Daniel Griggs won his heavyweight battle with former CI champion Garry McFarlane and island players Sean Mills and Jeremy Nicolle came through tight games against Isaac Bate and Geoff Orme respectively.

• More in Tuesday’s Guernsey Press.

Ravenscroft Guernsey Open Matchplay preliminary round results

Arthur Evans beat CJ Elmy at 22nd hole; Jeremy Nicolle beat Geoff Orme 3 & 2; Sean Mills beat Isaac Bate 3 & 1; Daniel Griggs beat Garry McFarlane 5 & 4.

Completed first round draw and this evening's tee-off times:

5.20 – Bobby Eggo (1) v. Arthur Evans.

5.26 – Trevor Gray v. Danny Blondel.

5.32 – Tom Le Huray v. Jack Mitchell.

5.38 – Steve Mahy (4) v. Jeremy Nicolle.

5.44 – Jason Stokes (3) v. Sean Mills.

5.50 – Andy Myers v. Mick Marley.

5.56 – Jamie Blondel v. Nigel Le Noury.

6.02 – Daniel Griggs v. Alan Mew (2).