Lilly retains his crown

The eagles were flying in at the Floor Restorations Pro-Am at Solihull’s Ladbrook Park Golf Club.

But it was Wellingborough’s Simon Lilly (pictured) who retained his title after carding a six-under-par round of 65.

The Northamptonshire golfer made the perfect start with an eagle at the first and four more birdies followed to take him to six-under by the turn. A steady back nine then proved enough for him to finish a shot clear.

Matthew Cort (Rothley Park GC) was his nearest challenger on five-under and he also eagled the opening hole. His four birdies would have tied for the lead had he not dropped a shot at the 11th.

There was a three-way tie for third with Craig Shave (Whetstone GC), John-Paul Banbury (Moor Hall GC) and Paul Broadhurst all going round in 69.

And eagles were also on the cards for two of the trio – Shave bagging his at the ninth with Broadhurst hitting a spectacular eagle at the par four third.