ANDREW Barnett carried the form that took him to sixth place in last week's PGA of Europe Champions' Trophy when he won the Cheshire and North Wales Open at Withington.

The 38-year-old former European Tour player and teaching professional at North Wales Driving Range trailed a shot behind after an opening round of 70.

But he then birdied the first three holes in the afternoon to seize the initiative with a 69 to post a three-under-par total.

Long serving Didsbury pro Peter Barber and Rhuddlan's Matthew Davies tied second a stroke off the pace.

Barnett, runner-up in The Rock at Matfen Hall last month and in third spot in the PGA North Region Order of Merit, said: "It's been a profitable few days. There was a strong field in Italy and I was happy with my performance in both events."

Meanwhile, Tom Murray - son of former European Open champion Andrew - finished top amateur in his last event before signing on as a trainee professional with Barber on Monday.

Tom, 18, who is caddying for his dad in the Scottish Seniors' Open which starts tomorrow at Dalmahoy, plays off scratch at Lymm. Andrew said: "He will take his PGA exams and see how he goes from there but I feel he could take the coaching route which he enjoys."

MANCHESTER players Peter Smith and Alan Baxter will compete in next week's UK Final of the Bentley Classic at Bovey Castle after qualifying at Mere..

DEAN Wood were beaten 3-2 by Heron's Reach in the Lancashire Bronze Shield final played at Ashton & Lea.