Hendriksen takes Matchplay title

Dinnaton’s Paul Hendriksen’s superb short game was the key to his 4 and 3 win over Richard Woods (Dainton Park) in the final of the Powakaddy Devon PGA matchplay championship at Yelverton.

Hendriksen was in top form throughout and became favourite after beating Yelverton specialist Barry Austin (Downes Crediton) 6 and 4 in the opening round.

But he faced Kevin Harper (Sidmouth), another quality player, in the quarter final and won 3 and 2.

In the other quarters stropkeplay champion Christian Vine (Woodbury Park) overcame Neil Holman (Torbay Driving Range) 2 and 1, Woods saw off Ben Martin (Exeter) 3 and 1 while Darren Everett (Teign Valley) produced outstanding form to oust home favourite Adam Frayne 5 and 4.

Hendriksen faced his third tough opponent in Vine in the semi-final but achieved another comfortable success by 4 and 3.

Woods took control of the other match with a great birdie on 10 and Everett was unable to counter successive birdies on 13 and 14 as Woods eased home 5 and 4.

Consolation for Austin was winning the plate competition for players eliminated in the first round. He beat Duncan Arnold (Dawlish Warren) 4 and 3.

Mei Tierney and Keith Jenkins from Powakaddy were warmly thanked for their sponsorship.