JAMES Sidlow hasn’t wasted much time in making an impression at Whittaker.

In his first season at the Littleboroough club, after coming down from university, the 20-handicapper hit top form last Saturday to win the medal competition with a 62, four shots better than second placed Martin Buonocore. Simon Molyneux took third spot with a 67.

There are two contenders for the ‘round of the week’ crown - Andrew Wilson of Springfield Park and Tunshill’s Alan Turner.

Wilson had three strokes to spare in winning Saturday’s Unisys Trophy, while Turner won the captain’s qualifier at Milnrow by an even bigger margin. Both carded highly impressive 61s.

Best late flourish came from Rochdale’s Andrew Friend (5) who birdied the last three holes on Tuesday to snatch the medal prize from Jim Hollingworth on a card play-off. Joe Graziano was one back on 67.

On Saturday, Rochdale’s Victory Cup was won by Phil Whitworth. He was two shots clear of Robin Tweedale, with Ian Walker and Gerry Cocker one stroke further back.

Four-handicapper Simon Lyons shot a 64 to win the third captain’s qualifier at Hopwood. Graham Nicholls, off 17, was his closest challenger with a 65.

Sue Hampson and Sue McNiff took Rochdale Ladies’Candelabra fourball on a countback from Avril Hornby and Glenis Walker, while Sonia Smith pipped Irene Lockley in Springfield Ladies’ monthly medal - again on a card play-off.

No such problems at Whittaker Ladies where Lynne Weight took the Alice Holden Trophy with six shots to spare over Hannah Kernick.

It was a good day for Heywood Cricket Club’s Rick Purser who had six points to spare in winning the Central Lancashire League Golf Society's Rochdale Observer Cup at the Walmsley Course. Peter Davey and president Roy Ashworth completed the leader board.