Brunton finishes top of the pile

David Brunton wrapped up the PGA in England & Wales (North) Mansell Finishes Winter Series Order of Merit at St Annes Old Links despite finishing well down the field in the last of six events.

The Ringway teaching professional had accrued sufficient points to claim the top prize, having won at Royal Liverpool in November and chalking up three other top 10 positions, and was 25 in front of second placed Tim Dykes, from Penrith.

Meanwhile, Fleetwood assistant David Corsby and Pike Fold's Grant Hamerton led the way in perfect conditions at Old Links with eight-under-par 64s.

Four shots adrift in second place were Houghwood's Barry Taylor and Paul Grannell, from Vale Royal Abbey, who won the Order of Merit last year.