Baker stretches the lead

Peter Baker has fully justified his decision to sample the inaugural North Devon Links Festival as he went into the final day with a three-shot lead.

The South Staffs pro shot a day’s best two-under-par 69 over Saunton’s West course which is regarded by the club and members as equal to the championship East course which was hosting the tournament for the final day.

This was equalled by James Ruth (China Fleet) who shares third as the best-placed West player alongside Plymouth’s Scott Drummond who carded 70.

Chris Gane (Left Handed Golf at Silvermere) returned the same score so dropped a further shot behind Baker in second place. Daniel Field (East Herts) and Matt Cort (Beedle Lakes) also slipped back with rounds of 74 and 73.

Former European Tour winner David Dixon (Enmore Park) improved his chances after 70 and shares fifth on 140 with by Jon Bevan (Sherborne) who was the third player to post 69 after an opening 71.

Saunton assistant Kristian Mowatt leads the team event on 174, four shots better than Ed Goodwin (Cirencester) with Gane a further shot behind. Baker, Drummond, Daniel Toogood  (Weston-super-Mare) and James Hannam (Bath) follow in fourth.