IN PREVIOUS years a new course would have been cut for Kendal Putting Association's 72-hole stroke play competition a week or so prior to the event, but this year, the course was cut the night before and players were only allowed practice on holes one and two.

The end product produced the desired outcome as the 186 winning score of Mike Smith1was the highest since the 1990s After a first round 51 he was ready to go home, but three brilliant rounds allowed him to finish with, 51+45+46+43.

Highgate Hotel captain Graham Dawson secured his highest placing as runner-up on 187, after a three way tie.

Dawson had more reason to be pleased as his team enjoyed two 6-0 victories last week and look dominant at the top of Division One.

Masons Arms have move to within one point of Queen Katherine Street in Division Two.

Third Division Crusaders' won 4-2 against Second Division opposition in the Gooseholme Trophy and secured a semi-final spot with wins for captain Matthew Walker and Andrew Blockley.

NALGO players Norman Harper and Ian Shepherd both had victories against previously unbeaten Kevin White in the Grand Masters.

Results: Division One: Highgate Hotel 6, Eagles 0; Farleys 6, Saints 0; Highgate Hotel 6, Farleys 0.

Division Two: Masons Arms 6, Lord of the Pins 0.

Division Three: Team Deviation 4, Texaco All Stars 2; Texaco All Stars 6, Whoopsie Girls 0. Knockout Cup, second round: NALGO 4, KBP03 2.

Gooseholme Trophy, quarter-final: Crusaders 4, Lord of the Pins 2.

Victor Ludorum, second round: T. Jackson beat I. Shepherd 2 & 1.

Grand Masters: N. Harper 44, K. White 47; I. Shepherd 46, K. White 47.

72-hole Strokeplay: 1 M. Smith 51+45+46+43=185; 2 G. Dawson 47+49+46+45=187 (after play-off); 3 B. Blee 42+44+51+51=187.