Happy Valley for Smith

Trentham Park assistant Alec Smith mastered the rainy conditions at Erewash Valley to secure victory in the second PGA (Midlands) Assistants Order of Merit event.

Smith made it two wins inside a week following his Q school triumph at Pype Hayes by shooting a one-over-par 73 thanks largely to a steady back nine featuring two birdies and six straight pars to close as the weather improved a touch later in the day.

Wishaw GC's Christopher Evans almost joined Smith at the top of the leaderboard, two late birdies for a 74 secured him the runners up spot with five other golfers sharing third, one shot further back.

Matthew Whelband (Park Hill) formed part of that cluster, his second successive third place finish saw him become the early season leader in the Order of Merit with five events to come.

The Erewash competition was a two ball betterball format. In the pairs team event Jamie Carney from Robin Hood GC and partner emerged the winners by a shot after an impressive 67.