He followed that birdie with another at the short 13th, a 9 iron to 12ft for one of two twos on the day from the whole field.

Whilst Sullivan gave back one of those shots immediately at the 14th, then parred in, Cryer opened with birdies at the 1st and the 5th, then bogied 10 and 12. He got back to under par with a three at the 17th and parred the last.

Ian Stranks opened with a birdie at the 1st before some errant driving was either penalised or he found some open space between trees, whilst Rob Bardsley finished his preparations for Wednesday and the McEvoy Trophy by making a Seve like four at Olton's 18th hole.

There were three players on 35 points - Olton's Louis Meryon who whilst he felt he left shots out on the course, was very pleased with having been put forward as next year's County Captain; the return to form of Handsworth's Carl Smith; and a good score from one of next Sunday's Boys team aiming for an eighth consecutive Four Counties win, a two birdie finish from Andrew Geraghty.

There was not so much good news elsewhere as a number of that Boys team found Olton too difficult for them.

Both Gareth Jenkins, the present County Captain, and Pete Clarke the new Second Team Captain played and socialised with the players afterwards, with the promise of the best communication possible with all those who will be available for the coming season.

All present were buoyed by the news of the new Order of Merit for players in both the First and Seconds, and new initiative announced by WUGC President John Duncombe. A point will be awarded for playing, the same for a foursomes win, and two points for a victory in the singles.

The results will be published in the new regular newsletter that will be sent to all clubs every few weeks, after each major Warwickshire event or a Midland League weekend.

CLICK HERE for the full Trials results for 2008