'I never thought I would see the same score as that from Warren Bladon', said Warwickshire Union President Jim Dean, a member at Kenilworth. Matt was out in 29, -7 for his opening holes courtesy of five birdies and an eagle at the 8th. He came back in 33 (-3) only making birdie at one of the thre homeward par fives (a three putt for a five at one of them).

Over at Finham, Ro Steele started with an eagle, added two more birdies and a dropped shot to go out in 33 and started back birdie, par, birdie, eagle, then a double bogey. Having settled himself down with a three at the next, Ronb then finished with three straight birdies for his 65.

There were other bursts of excellent scoring - a 65 from David Skins at Kenilworth and plenty of 68s and 69s. Gary Wolstenholme was way back after rounds of 74 and 68 and Heath was mid field.

Ben Senior made the cut with 148 and there were three Kenilworth (or ex members) two shots ahaed of him - James Crompton, David Harris and Ian Stranks. David Hayes continued his good form with a pair of 72s whilst Bill Nicolson put aside the dissappointments of the County 6s with rounds of 73 and 70. He was one shot behind Chris Evans (73 + 69).

None of these scores though were good enough to challenge the two leaders and after third rounds of 72, Matt and Rob went out in the pouring afternoon rain to decide who would be Midland Ameteur Champion.

'I have never seen (Rob) have such fantastic control of the ball', said Cryer, very dissappointed to lose but still offering all the praise to his friend, 'It was incredible in those conditions.'

'I just never got things going'

Cryer managed a final round of 74 but Steele shot out the proverbial 'lights' with a 66. It was just four holes into the final round before Matt and Rob were tied, courtesy of three birdies in those four holes from Steele. Rob then birdied the 6th and the 8th and both parred the 9th - the par five 10th was key to where the Midland Amateur title would go.

'Matt knocked it on in two to about 30ft and I was just a bit inside him - about 20 ft away. When he holed, I had my eagle putt to stay one ahead', said Rob.

That putt duly was made leaving Rob -8 for his round after just 12 holes (another birdie at the 12th), in the most miserable of weather. With Matt then making a couple of mistakes Rob just had to par in to take the title. He made one error on the 17th and took four but that was good enough for a 5 stroke victory.

Rob was philosophical and in high spirits after his win - ' Hey Ho - to win by five, I'll take that! My next event is Open Pre qualifying, next Monday (the 8th) and its my 21st Birthday!'

After last year being really close to making it through to the Open, maybe this year for the new Midland Amateur Champion?