THE first competition of the Winter League at Settle Golf Club, which also incorporated the Birkbeck Cup, came down to two golfers.

This combination resulted in some keen competition between the consistent John Read and newcomer Steve O'Shea.

Read, playing off 17, registered an outstanding gross 40 on the front nine, which included four pars.

He was unable to maintain this form over the back nine, although his 45 gross still resulted in him finishing with a one under par 69.

O'Shea, playing off 14, had a steadier front nine, as his three pars helped him to a gross 42.

However, he produced an amazing back nine, which included five pars and a birdie on the par 5 18th.

This gave him a final four below par nett 66. O'Shea is clearly coming to terms with the difficult conditions encountered on the Settle course.

None of the remaining players got anywhere near his score, although club captain Steve Robinson's two on the difficult Huntworth hole will provide a talking point for some time at the club. Few players can have ever holed out with a four iron from 190 yards.