JOINER Ian Grime shocked last year’s Observer Golf finallist Chris Nuttall to be the toast of the Accrington clubhouse.

Youngster Chris lost last year’s final on the first extra hole and must have fancied his chances this time of going all the way.

But 40-year-old Ian, who plays off 14 and had eights shots, had other ideas and made it through to the second round with a 2&1 victory.

"It was a close game but I started off really well," said Ian, who is in his first year back playing golf after a three year break.

"After six holes, I was four up but by the turn he had got it back to two up. On the 13th hole I was one up and thought "here we go" but I played well and won it on the 17th.

"Chris got a bit of stick in the clubhouse after but he is a good player and a top lad. It was just my day. I was the underdog but I wanted to win."

Ian now faces a second round tie against another Accrington GC rival Nathan Ward - who saw off highly-rated Ryan Foster.

The closing date for the second round is Sunday May 25. All result MUST be into the Observer office by Monday May 26 at 12 noon.