IN the first round of the Winter League at Lyme Regis Golf Club, there were some good scores and competition at the top was keen.

But currently in the lead is Jeremy Linnert, whose 39 points secured top spot from Rob Clapp and Dave Riches in second and third respectively, both carding scores of 38 points.

Also a close contest was the midweek Stableford, where Neil Smith’s grafted 40 points earned him top spot at the expense of George Seed with 39 points and Gareth Williams (38).

The star round of the week went to new junior captain Brad Searle.

His brilliant nett 66 saw his handicap tumble to 10 as he won the junior order of merit by a whopping eight clear shots from Ben Prosser (74) and George Seed (78), an encouraging start to his year.

* Former Lyme Regis youngster Sophie Keech endured a tough time during the Lalla Aicha Tour School Pre-Qualifier A event in Morocco.

After firing a round of 73 to get her week off to a steady start at the Mohammedia Golf Club, the England international followed it up with rounds of 79, 86 and 80 to finish 45th at the event, which was won by France’s Justine Dreher.