Astin Second at Hollins Hall

Woodsome Hall's David Astin impressed at Marriott Hollins Hall when he finished as runner-up in the Thompson Davis PGA North Region Championship.

Astin fired rounds of 70 and 71 as he finished four strokes behind winner Neil Cheetham (Pictured). Cheetham, a 42-year-old professional, who has just completed his summer coaching stint at Dore and Totley, is now returning to South Africa to resume his playing career on the Sunshine Tour.

But he will be back in Britain in three weeks to compete in the Srixon PGA Play-offs at Little Aston after qualifying for topping the region’s Order of Merit for the second time since in nine years.

“It’s all a bit hectic because I’ve two tournaments over there but I’m used to travelling. I finished in the leading 60 last winter to keep my card and that will get me into a few European Tour events as well,” said Cheetham who signed off with a 67 at the Shipley club, five-under-par in total.

Westerhope professional George Cowan, who led by two shots overnight, stayed in the box seat until half-way through the final round but three bogeys in four holes from the 11th cost him dearly as Cheetham claimed pole position.

LEADING SCORES: 137 Neil Cheetham (Dore & Totley) 70 67; 141 David Astin (Woodsome Hall) 70 71; 142 Will Barnes (Garstang) 73 69, George Cowan (Westerhope) 68 74; 143 Gordon Brand (Marriott Hollins Hall) 77 66, John Wells (Cherry Burton) 75 68, Graham Cox (Davenport) 74 69, David Smith (Swinton Park) 72 71, Fraser Kelley (Malton & Norton) 72 71, Aran Wainwright (Mid Yorkshire) 70 73.