Les Heard wins Easter GC A-level at Wrest Park

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Les Heard receiving his prize from Richard Keighley (Photo: Gill Brewer)

The draw for this tournament projected a Final between top seed Steve Leonard (East Dorset), whose handicap had tumbled from (-3) to (0), and Mike Bilton Gainsborough) (0), the recent winner of the A-Level at Phyllis Court and High Wycombe. They duly met, but not at the Final stage. Instead, a local hero was destined to come out on top.

A full field of 16 players braved a chilly wind for the Block stage. Block A was won by Mike Hills (Northampton) with 6 wins closely followed with 5 wins each by Terry Collis (Wrest Park) and Steve Leonard, whose first 5 games were all decided by the golden hoop. In Block B, an ever-improving Les Heard (Wrest Park) led with 6 wins, ahead of Mike Bilton and Mark Trevere (Dulwich) both with 5 wins.

The Quarter Finals produced the anticipated clash between Steve Leonard and Mike Bilton, which Steve won in 2 straight games. Mike Hills and Les Heard defeated their opponents in deciding games, and Terry Collis and Mark Trevere also progressed. Steve and Les won their semi -finals to produce an intriguing Final.

Steve cruised to a (7-2) win in the 1^st game, but Les levelled by dint of some impressive clearances and tactical play to win (7-6). In the decider, Les was always in front to win (7-4) and to take the engraved trophy. Andy Sherwood (Ashby) pipped Alex Wood (Colchester) to win the Plate Block.