Finch hoping for a change in fortune

Peter Finch is hoping luck will be on his side when he pegs up at Bolton's Lostock Park for the fourth PGA North Assistants' Challenge tournament.

The 28-year-old from the Chilli Dip Academy at Blackrod near Chorley has been beaten in two plays-off this season, at Rockliffe Hall and Helsby.

"I'm hoping it will be third time lucky," he said. "Losing once was disappointing but twice was hard to take."

Finch, who has been working hard on his game between teaching youngsters at a weekly summer camp, added: "If I get my nose in front this time I'm determined no-one will catch me."

A 60-strong field features six players vying for honours in the Order of Merit.

Leading the race is Disley's Scott Jackson, a former GB&I and England international who won the opening event at Ilkley.

He is 88 points in front of the unattached Liam Hunt and 124 ahead of Formby's Matthew Harrison who is neck and neck with Finch - the man he beat at Rockliffe Hall.

The line-up also includes former England amateur international Marylyn Brand, daughter of Tour legend Gordon, who has just completed her final year as a PGA assistant at Leeds Golf centre. 

The closing PGA North Assistants' Challenge will be the Harold Lees Trophy at Dore & Totley on September 2-3.