GOLF: Shrigley Hall's Cheshire ace Jim Murphy enjoyed a close finish in the Mitsushiba Northern Order of Merit event at Pleasington.
The competition for the prestigious Pleasington Antlers saw Murphy return identical rounds of 71, 71 for a 142 total.
This left him two shots off the winner - Roger Smithies of Manchester - and three shots clear of the field.
The points gained for the competition lifted Murphy up the Order of Merit table and with more events to come he could soon climb into the top ten - as his county commitments have limited his opportunities in the Order of Merit to date.
The last week has been a hive of activity at Macclesfield Golf Club - starting with the Senior Mixed Open Tournament.
On a fine day 32 pairs competed. The winners, on a card play-off, were Bill and Margaret Milligan.
It has also been the turn of the ladies who hosted the annual invitation day.
This competition attracted 102 players with many club captains and presidents amongst them.
Judy Mutter and her partner, L Smith-Bell were the winners from Irene Newton and P Clewley.
The Barnaby Stableford Competition was followed by the Mixed Individual Stableford.
As usual Ron and Carol Smart were the generous sponsors for both days.
The Barnaby Stableford winners were Chris Massey (Division One) and Ed Beckett (Division Two).
At the Mixed Individual Stableford, Neil Mutter won the 0-12 handicap, Margaret Patterson took the 13-23 category and Carol Smart the 24-45 - but not wishing to win her own prize, she donated it to the Captain's Charity.
