Mansell’s magic at Tiverton

Ashley Mansell earned back-to-back regional pro-am wins with a round of five-under-par 66 on a warm, windless day at Tiverton.

Out in 34 in the Tolchards-sponsored event after birdies at the fourth and fifth, he returned in 32 helped by four birdies in six holes from the 12^th, marred by his only dropped shot at the 13^th.

The Clevedon assistant has set two targets this year. He wants to make an impact in the Order of Merit for the first time and claim a top three place and a ticket to the end-of-season play-offs. Then he will attempt to qualify to play on the European Tour next year.

He finished two shots ahead of Paul Hendriksen (Ivybridge). Hendriksen, who is aiming to complete a hat-trick of wins in the Total Triumph Classic opening OOM event at Oake Manor next week, returned to form after a brave showing on his debut in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth last week.

He made an eagle-birdie start but could only register two further birdies and two bogeys during the rest of his round.

James Ruth (China Fleet), who is concentrating on the Europro Tour this summer, made a phenomenal start. An opening eagle was followed by three birdies in the next four holes. But it did not last and he dropped three shots.

His 69 brought a tie for third with the dependable Sion Bebb (Morlais Castle) who started with two birdies and added two more on the 14^th and 15^th.  Another Welshman Matt Dearden (Vale Resort) and home assistant Tom Hanson, one of the emerging talents in the West, shared fifth on 70 with Richard O'Hanlon (St Kew) a further shot behind.

Former Mendip club professional Kevin Pitts led the winning team which comprised of Tiverton club members Mark Sangster, Allan Burton and Roy Lyndhurst who won their places in pro Ali Welsher’s shop draw.

They returned 15-under-par 127, three shots better than Andy Knight (Saunton) and Colin Taylor, Simon Young and Tony Wood-Wright. Grant Slater (Carlyon Bay) and the Farmhouse Pies and Pasties team of Mike Howe, David Atkinson and Nick Konig were third on 131, They beat the Hendriksen-led team on countback.