THERE were some outstanding performances in the first of the junior order of merit competitions at Lyme Regis Golf Club.

Of particular note was the performance of 11-year-old Lewis Cottam, who scored an excellent nett 63 to win the event.

David Lyon also played exceptionally well to card a gross 75 and achieve a handicap reduction to play off nine.

Fourteen-year-old George Seed has been selected to represent Dorset Juniors against Cornwall on May 22. He will also represent Dorset in the five counties event at Oake Manor Golf Club on May 31.

The May stableford featured familiar names among the winners with club champion Adrian Morgan (3) taking a two-point victory over John Yorke (5).

In Division Two, it was Matthew Rose (18) who led the field with 42 points over Peter Shefford (21) with 38 points.

Meanwhile, Lyme’s seniors acquitted themselves well against Taunton & Pickeridge but suffered a 3.5-2.5 defeat.

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SOPHIE Keech pitted her wits against the top players in the country in the English Women’s Close Amateur Championships.

Teeing off at West Sussex Golf Club, 15-year-old Keech – the youngest player in the field – carded an excellent first round score of 76 to finish joint 15th before an 81 ensured she made the halfway cut.

Keech locked horns with +3 handicapper Charlie Hull in the next stage and suffered an agonising 2&1 defeat after the latter, who was the eventual runner-up, sank an eagle putt on the 17th hole.