SEAN Raybould and Phil Lau emerged from a packed field of golfers to land the prestigious Cleobury Mortimer Club Championship trophies.

The event was played over two days with Lau taking the net honours and Raybould winning the gross event.

Day one, using the Foxes Run and Deer Park courses, saw John Swithenby lead the way in the net with a two under par 67, closely followed by Steve Scrace on 68.

In the gross Charlie Edwards shot an impressive 75 and Tom Pain 74, but the first day belonged to Raybould who, despite bogeying the last shot, carded a 70 to hold an overnight four-shot lead.

Day two was played over the Badgers Sett and Deer Park courses in near perfect conditions. Despite that, the scoring was far from outstanding with the pressure getting to many.

Guy Taylor’s net 69 propelled him into third place and Swithenby followed up his opening round with a 73 to finish level for the tournament. But he was just pipped to the title by Lau. He recorded the lowest gross of the day to finish tied with Swithenby, but a superior second day gave him the trophy on countback.

In the gross Edwards fell away, meaning it was between Pain and Raybould. After 27 holes Raybould still had his four-shot lead and he broke away to eventually win by six.

Raybould commented: “I have only been at club since April after being a member at many courses in the UK and abroad. Cleobury has been by far the most welcoming and friendly club I have ever experienced.”

*WAYNE Gardner on Malcolm Weaver’s President’s Day prize at Ludlow GC. He scored 38 points and pipped good friend Rob Fowler into second place on the back nine holes. George Watton won the gross prize with 34 points and dedicated his win to his grandmother, who recently passed away.

The winning lady was Julie Fullerton with a score of 34 points while Dave Perks won the battle of the seniors and Jonathan Price was best junior to land the Croxton Cup.