Batty takes top spot in latest Seniors’ Trophy round

Next highest with 38 points were Phil Hewes and Eddie Plant.

With the best five rounds of eight to count, aggregate leaders after three rounds are Alan Dolby 106 pts, Eddie Plant 100pts and Colin Howett 99.

The seniors were beaten 5.5-2.5 at Birstall seniors.

Despite the overnight torrential rain, the Birstall course held up well and was in excellent condition and the greens were superb to put on.

The match started in light rain but this cleared within the first few holes.

Results: John Hitchman & Chris Vose lost 2 down, Darrell Knight & Chris Woof won 1 up, Eddie Plant & Martin Billson halved, Mike Nixon a & Mark Smith lost 2 down, Glyn Staines & Ken Taylor lost 3 & 1, David Ford & Doug Lyne won 4 & 3, Brian Draper & Jim Price lost 2 & 1, Graham Manton & David Hamilton lost 1 down.

A hectic few days for Stoke’s seniors saw matches on Monday and Thursday and a Trophy Round in between, ending with the heaviest defeat so far, 7.5-0.5 at Belton Park.

The weather was fine and the course well presented and as often is the case the home side coped better with their putting.

Results: John Hitchman & Glyn Staines lost 5 & 4, Mike Nixon & Barry Coop lost 1 down, Darrell Knight & Don Werner lost 2 & 1, Mike Thornton & Graham Manton lost 3 & 1, Brian White lost 3 & 2, Steve Anderson & Steve Major lost 5 & 4, Adrian Stannard & Brian Ayto lost 5 & 4, Ernie Armstrong & David Swaithe halved.