On Sunday 25th June, Ben played his his clubs' Midland Order of Merit Championship, the very prestigious Finham Bowl. In his morning 18, Ben had five birdies to shoot 68 (-5) and have the first round lead. He eagled the 10th, his first hole of the afternoon, with a drive and 7 iron to 15ft but with eight holes to go, found himself one back from his playing partner, despite still being under par.

Ben's response was to play the last eight in five under par, including another eagle at the 6th where Ben hit a four iron to 6ft. It all added up to a three shot win.

There was more good news for our Juniors when after a morning round of three under at the Finham Bowl, coupled with his scores at the Kenilworth Classic - John Banbury is now a plus handicapper.

Rory Kirwan had a 'frozen' putter for 35 holes of the English Schools, only holing from 10ft at the last for a 73 to go with his opening 76. Ben had started the English Schools as he had finished the Finham Bowl by going out level par. Then the trouble hit -

'I haven't a clue what happened', said Ben as he completed his first round in an 81 after a back nine of 46! Ben's second round was one of the best of the day, a 70, to leave Ben a couple of shots away from a second English Schools cap for our County.

Plus two for that nine holes and Ben would have been English Champion - he has another chance next year when he may well be one of the favorites. Ben is now off scratch to add to his ?prizes? from the last 48 hours