WILMSLOW Golf Club captain Pep Smith hailed the quality of the play as he helped to present coveted prizes at the end of the world-ranking Cheshire Cat competition.

Played over 72 holes on successive days at Stockport and Wilmslow Golf Clubs, the scores of the Stockport Salver and Wilmslow Crow scratch competitions are combined to deliver an overall winner.

High Legh Park’s Chris Chilton, the Cheshire matchplay champion and victor of the Stockport Salver over 36 holes on day one, came out on top in the Cheshire Cat stakes after his steady second-round 71 at Wilmslow took him to 144 overall.

Sandiway's Rhys Nevin-Wharton was unable to play at Stockport due to another commitment but he showed his intent with a best opening round of 68 in strong winds in the Wilmslow Crow.

Giving chase were Jack Nicholson, Vale of Llangollen, and David Peel, Stockport, both 69, with others in close contact to battle out the decisive second round.

Leading the way with 69s were Cameron Massey, Northenden, and Chris Harrison, Sandiway, as conditions became more difficult.

But there was no denying Nevin-Wharton the Wilmslow Crow as his second round of 73 saw him into top spot on 141 ahead of Nicholson on 143.

Presenting the trophies, Wilmslow and Stockport captains Pep Smith and John Ainley gave fulsome and well deserved praise to all of the players and officials for a terrific two days of top-class golf.