Mills turns up the heat at sweltering Langland Bay

Cennydd Mills warmed up for his challenge in the Order of Merit with a one-shot victory in the 29th successive Gwalia pro-am with a round of four-under-par 66 at sunny Langland Bay.

He was clearly at home in the sizzling temperatures after recently returning from a three-year coaching spell in Dubai. He started with a flurry with three successive birdies from the second hole.

After another at the seventh he gave shots back at the eighth and tenth before claiming further gains at the 15th and 17th.

Now coaching in Cardiff, Mills is showing the form that made him such a formidable competitor before his move to the Middle East.

He held off the challenge of Richard Bentham (Hensol Golf Academy) who made an inauspicious start. He was one over par on the 14th tee before he concluded with a flourish. Two birdies and an eagle three on the 15thbrought 67 and second place.

In-form Toby Hunt (St Mellons), Paul Mayo (Pontnewydd) and Richard Dinsdale (Asbri Golf) continued the Welsh domination by sharing third as the only other players to better par with 69.

Huw Williams (Pyle & Kenfig) and highest placed Englishman Michael Watson (Wessex Golf Centre) were sixth on 70.

Bentham led the winning team of Dan Hardman, Gareth Roberts and Bleddyn Taylor on 18-under-par 122 beating the group led by William Griffiths (Ashburnham) comprising Mike Davies, Paul Evans and Cledwyn Davies on countback.

Anthony Buchanan (Tavistock) piloted John Jones, Mark Jones and Justin Jones into third spot on 123.

The 29th successive pro-am raised charitable funds for local initiatives run by individuals, community groups and organisations. The former Gwalia Trust is now part of Pobl Group which will be awarding around £200,000 to good causes this year. The main sponsor was again Llanelli-based construction company Morganstone.