THERE was an exciting climax to Cowdray Park Seniors’ Captain’s Prize competition when the weather-delayed fourth round was played.

At this point, a player can discard his lowest score and the best three-round total wins the prize.

Weather ranging from heavy rain and wind to severe cold tested the resolve of the players, but the last round eventually went ahead in ideal conditions, as was reflected by the scores, leading to a close finish.

At the start of play, Brian Heath led with 108 points.

Teeing off first, trophy holder Paul Owen needed to replicate his achievement of last year when he scored 41 and came from nowhere to snatch the title. He managed a superb 42 points this time for a final total of 111, meaning that leader Heath needed to score four better than his lowest score so far.

The only blot on Owen’s round was a lost ball on the par-five eighth, which probably cost him the title.

The chasing trio of Roger Poat, John Renwick and Dave Fowler failed to advance their scores, but Heath did and returned a total of 112 to win by one shot.

The best individual score of the day was 45 from David Carter. Top pair were David Carter and Pat Harrison with 76, on countback from Paul Owen and David Tilley. John Hall and Bernie May were third with 72.