THE pairing of Frankie Eccleston and Brian Hartley proved far too strong for the remainder of the field in Sunday's Harold Lambert 4 Ball Better Ball at Settle Golf Club.

Both players produced some outstanding golf, which gave them a final score of 41 stableford points.

This total comprised of six net pars and nine net bogies. Hartley made the most of his generous 27 handicap.

Nearest challenges, Peter Eccleston and Colin Green, could only manage 34 points, which gave a clear picture of the winner's dominance.

Earlier in the week, the seniors returned to winning ways after their recent setback against a strong Ghyll side.

They entertained visitors from Stonyhurst, who they beat 4-2.

Stephen Robinson had a great effort the previous week.

Playing off his handicap of seven, Robinson shot seven pars on the front nine, going out with a gross 39.

His back nine was even better with birdies on the 10th, 11th and 18th.

This enabled him to return a net 68, which meant he had played to a handicap of five.

This year's club captain, Mike Elstub, would have been slightly disappointed that his excellent round of 72 could only give him the runners-up spot.

* The medal season commenced recently at Skipton Golf Club which attracted strong field.

Division One winner was Danny Murphy with a net 70 off his six handicap, though it took a countback with four other competitors to do so.

Murphy’s birdie 3 at the last hole and back nine of level par gross proved too strong for Sean Lemon, Duncan Ward, Steve Aldersley and Simon Thorpe.

Division Two had similar tightness at the top with Andrew Steane’s net 68 being just ahead on countback over Derek Ives.

The men’s stableford competition again saw much higher scores than usual prevailing.

Brook Coward took top place in the First Division with 37 points, two ahead of man in form, Steve Aldersley.

Division Two was won with the same total by James Oliver, who also had a margin of two points ahead of Steve Bond, Angus McCabe and Ethan Wilson.