ARAN WAINWRIGHT is one of eight players who can land the Mansell Finishes Winter Pro-am Series Order of Merit when 400 points go to the winner in the final event at West Lancashire on April 7.

The former Yorkshire champion based at Mid Yorkshire stands fifth in the Merit list led by Steve Parry, from Hart Common, Bolton, who is the man to beat as he holds a 128-point lead over Davenport assistant Graham Cox.

Matthew Ellis, from Romiley, came out top in the latest event at Ormskirk though it was his first outing in months having spent most of the winter pursuing his new hobby of snowboarding.

Leading scores: 67 - M Ellis (Romiley). 68 - S Parry (SP Golf School), D Smith (Swinton Park). 69 - G Cox (Davenport), A Baguley (Leigh), D Shacklady (Mossock Hall). 70 - P Barber (Didsbury), J Rodwell (Southport & Ainsdale). 71 - C Corrigan (Haigh Hall), J Mathews (Mytton Fold), R Booth (Hale).

Other Yorkshire scores: 72 - A Wainwright (Mid Yorkshire). 74 - D Walsh (Garforth). 75 - R Lambert (Crosland Heath). 77 - J Oates (Hallowes). 78 - N Hirst (Dewsbury). 82 - J Laszkowicz (Owston Hall).

Order of Merit leaders: 857pts - S Parry. 729 - G Cox. 667 - A Baguley. 595 - B Taylor (Houghwood). 564 A Wainwright.