Thompson’s first win this season

Lee Thompson’s first win for almost a year came at Salisbury and South Wilts, one of his favourite courses where he invariably plays well.

The Dudsbury touring professional finished on three-under-par 69 one shot ahead of five other players for his second win at the Wiltshire course in three years. He also finished top in a Dorset and Wiltshire medal there last winter.

He started with two birdies and added others at the fifth, 14th and 16th, countered by two dropped shots. But he was able to make his first winner’s speech since Oake Manor last September.

Paul Hendriksen (Ivybridge) seemed unlikely to prosper after dropping three shots in the first six holes. But he was level by the 12th and an eagle three at the 16th was a bonus in his 70.

Ross Langdon (Brickhampton Court) also eagled the 16th and made three birdies, Richard Dinsdale (Asbri Golf) carded five birdies, Anthony Buchanan (Tavistock) ma1de four and Dan Carter (Upavon) made vital birdies on the 14th and 17th after a level par opening nine.

Club manager Andy Beal, the former European Tour player and outstanding regional player, who arranged an excellent entry of 41 teams, finished in the prizes in his first pro-am appearance of the season.

Craig Melding (Neath) won the team prize on ten-under-par 132 with Steve Gorringe, Malc Starks and Paul Anderson.

Five teams finished one shot behind on 133 so the places were resolved on countback. Dinsdale’s team of Rod Johnson, Bryan Jennick and Roger Whitmore were second followed byHendriksen’s trio of Justin Safe, Neil Grinder and Tom Stagg in third.

Teams led by Lee Corfield (Burnham & Berrow) and Liam Bond (Liam Bond Golf Academy) were third and fourth.