French's late slip proves costly

James French, a 41-year-old professional at Owston Hall, was left to rue a bogey on the last hole in the Mansell Finishes Winter Series at Alwoodley which cost him his first outright victory in a PGA North event.

Starting his round at the 16th, he birdied two of the first three holes then picked up three more before his late slip.

A five-under-par 67 left him with a share of the spoils with Garforth Golf Range's Danny Walsh whose flawless round included an eagle at the 10th.

The series reaches its climax at St Annes Old Links on April 7 with Mossock Hall's former PGA Cup player David Shacklady in pole position to clinch the order of merit after his 69 at Alwoodley.