That group also included defending Champion James Hemphill, on the recovery from a major knee operation - I wouldn t have played had I not been defending - its not so bad swinging, its the walking, the bit in between.

A number of top Warwickshire Juniors were playing. Chris Evans posted another 73 but Handsworth Junior and three time Club Champion Jak Hamblett was happy with his 70.

Last year s Runner Up, Ben Groutage, had a sorry start to his round and was three over par after eight but he then threw 5 birdies in seven holes to go to -2 only to drop a shot close to home. His 69 was in second place, one ahead of David Guthrie with a 70

After a disappointing Amateur in 2002, Top Coventry player Matt Cryer was on +1, well in contention and playing good golf.

Westwood started his pm round with a pair of bogies on 2 and 3. There was another doped shot going out recouped with a birdie aat the par five 4th. There were more dropped shots and only two birdies leaving the Handsworth player first into the clubhouse with 142.Would it be good enough.

Ben Groutage fell away in the second 18 as did Matt Cryer with a 73, his first nine of 39 ruining any chances the Coventry golfer had. It was then between Rob Steele and David Fletcher,

For Steele, a front nine of 36 (+1) left him with plenty to do. Matching par alll the way to the 18th, the Kenilworth plus golfer then hit an 8 iron to 16ft and holed that for an eagle for a 69 to tie Westwod.

David Fletcher went out in 34 then came home in all 3 s and more 5 s withb one final birdie 4 to finish with. There was bad luck on lies and bounces causing four bogies with three great birdies part repairing the damage of the dropped shots. Total - 143, just one too many.

So to a play off. Dave Westwood left his birdie attempt right on the lip of the hole on the 2nd for a chance to move ahead in the three hole decider. When Rob Steele missed the fairway right on 18, the local man must of thought himself favourite but Steele chipped a four iron 40yards short of the green and then wedged to 15ft. Westwood then two putted having got on in three and one of the longest hitters in Warwickshire (and the Midlands), a golfer though with a magical short game, then slotted hom the winning putt. 2003 Champion Rob Steele!