ALAN MEW is the new Southampton Men's Open champion - but the long-established county amateur star had his work cut out fending off a strong challenge from tournament out-sider Jon Baynes.

Baynes, a five-handicapper from the host Southampton Club, matched Mew's 36-hole total of 142 and when it went to a four-hole play off, Mew from Stoneham edged it by a single shot.

Mew and Stoneham clubmate Andy Bow were the only scratchmen in a 60-strong field and, significantly, it was Bow and Mark Williamson (Paultons Park) who led after the first round with scores of 71 followed by Phil Dedman, Baynes and Dave Barker all on 73s.

It all turned round in the afternoon with Mew, after a morning's 75, posting the best score of the day, a two-under-par 67, two better than Baynes whose consolation for his defeat was the prize for best net score of 132, one better than 11-handicapper Chris Russell.

Williamson, runner-up in the previous two years, finished third behind Mew and Baynes in the overall standings with Bow, champion for the previous two years, in fourth spot.

Mayor of Southampton Clr Derek Burke hit the first ball of the day at 7am and was back 12 hours later to present the prizes - after nipping off to play bowls at the Sports Centre. The following day he he was absailing - all in aid of charity!

Mew made it a double celebration over the weekend by joining forces with Brokenhurst Manor's Kevin Weeks to retain the Hampshire Foursomes Championship at South Winchester.

The experienced pair carded rounds of 74 and 69 for a five-shot victory over Stoneham duo Bow and Andy Haworth with another Stoneham combination, Steve Williams and Richard Elmes in third place.

The best of Hampshire sporting talent including Matt Le Tissier and Robin Smith are joining forces with Gary Lineker, Roger Black and Jimmy White for the Kevan James Celeb/Am Golf Day at Ferndown next Tuesday.

Hampshire cricketing all-rounder James is in the middle of his benefit year, during which he has also been supporting the Leukaemia Busters Charity which has already been presented with a £15,000 cheque from the Kevan James Benefit Office.

Converted for the new archive on 25 January 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.