Matt finish for happy Harrison

Matthew Harrison grabbed victory from the jaws of defeat when he produced a stunning finish in normal time then went on to win a play-off in the PGA North Assistants' Challenge at Rockliffe Hall.

The second year assistant professional from Formby birdied five holes in a row from the 13th to draw level with long-time clubhouse leader Peter Finch on three-under-par 69.

"I thought I was down and out after the start I'd made," he said. "I was one-over-par after nine then dropped a couple of more shots until I got on the roll."

Harrison's card was a mixed bag of eight birdies, five pars and as many bogeys.

The 25-year-old, who beat Finch from the Chilli Dip Academy in Blackrod, near Chorley, at the first extra hole, left his Southport home at the crack of dawn to drive to the County Durham club.

"My brother Mike offered to caddie for me but could not be bothered getting out of bed at that time," he said. "This is my first win and I'm very happy. I've never had a run of birdies like that before."

Harrison, in the last group to tee off, said the one he scored at the par five 16th gave him the most satisfaction.

"I hit a three wood to take the bunkers out of play then two seven iron to a few feet. The hole went exactly to plan."

Finch, 28, gave up playing after spells on the Challenge and Europro tours when he started a family and for two years worked at a Wigan fire place centre.

"I hit every fairway in regulation and my only bogey came on the first when I missed from two feet. I'd never played the course before but I was mightily impressed by it," he said.

Oliver Cross, from Humberside club Brough, was third a shot off the pace while local challengers, Westerhope's Ross Crowe and Philip Redpath, from City of Newcastle were in a six-way tie on 72.

Among the group was Disley's Scott Jackson who increased his lead in the Order of Merit to 67 points with three events remaining.