PETER Ellwood was winner of Skipton Golf Club’s Craven Herald Trophy for the second time after a gap of 17 years.

The competition, which bares the paper’s name, is a knock-out competition for eight to 15 handicappers.

Ellwood’s formidable opponent was September medal runner-up and Bradford and District 8-15 individual champion, Graham Wild.

After a disastrous start on Skipton Golf club’s remodelled course, losing the first hole to some excellent shots by Wild, Ellwood, recomposed himself to win holes three and four to go one up.

Following a half on the fourth, Ellwood’s greater consistency around the greens and a fine tee shot on the difficult par three sixth enabled him to go three up after just six holes.

Wild came back with a solid par on the seventh before Ellwood won holes eight and nine to finish the front nine four up.

Wild's touch around the greens continued to let him down and when Ellwood went six up on the 11th holing a tricky put from 18 feet, the match was nearly over.

On the par three 12th, Wild started his fight back with an excellent two, but Ellwood holed a nervy put on 13 to half the hole and retain his advantage.

Wild continued to fight back winning holes 14 and 15 with two solid pars which Ellwood could not match.

Both players had nervy tee shots on the difficult par three 16th but Wild’s fight back was ended when his ball found the Eller beck.

Ellwood’s tee shot had found safe ground to the right of the hole and the match was conceded when Ellwood secured a safe bogey four to win three up.

Thanks should go to our Skipton captain Gerald Corrigan for officiating and providing impartial support during the final.