CLIVE McFADZEAN is starting to feel that Crosland Heath is definitely his lucky course after winning his second Halifax, Huddersfield Alliance Stableford competition there yesterday.

He and his Bradley Hall partner Keith Aldridge took first prize in the Am-Am section with 36 points, which was quite remarkable given the gale-like conditions sweeping over the Felk Stile Road course, which at times was so brutal that more than one partnership ‘walked in.’

Four-handicapper McFadzean had birdied the 506-yard par 5 third for a three-pointer, and the Hall team followed up with five consecutive pars before having their only blob on the ninth.

But it was the three nett birdies in the first four holes after the turn which proved crucial, former Halifax Past Rabbits captain Aldridge (playing off 14) grabbing two of them, as they garnered 20 points on the back nine.

The host club father and son pairing of Brian (winner of last year’s Page Trophy) and Stuart Thompson were holding the lead with 35 points for most of the afternoon, until the Bradley Hall duo, late starters, breezed in with their winning card.

But the Thompsons did have the consolation of second place, despite being matched by Outlane’s Jim Beattie and Andy McLaughlin, who were another late starting pairing to come in with 35 points, but who had an inferior back nine.

The Pro-Am first prize went to Crow Nest Park professional Paul Everritt and his amateur partner Alan Hollingworth (9), who went out in 17 and returned in 18.

And that gave them a single-point victory over Hanging Heaton pro Gareth Moore and his playing partner David Croft (15).

It might have been a different story had Bradley Park’s young guns, Rob Stansfield and Jack Piercey, not seen their hopes blown away over the last two holes.

Having scored 18 points over the outward half, newly-qualified assistant pro Stansfield and Piercey (6) failed to count on the 17th and could only take a solitary point at the final hole to finish back in third place with 33.

Spare a thought for Ryburn’s JamesWashington, who, after picking up his clubs was wending his way over the top of Halifax towards the Heath when a wagon coming in the opposite direction slewed round a corner and shed it loads of bricks all over Washington’s car.

Although the car was badly damaged, Washington, fortunately was unhurt, and after quickly sorting out the legalities still managed to arrive safely at the golf course.

“I was more bothered about getting to the Heath, so I didn’t miss my tee-off time,” said Washington, who then admitted: “I was due to change the car today anyway!”

Not surprisingly, his experience didn’t do his golf any favours, as he and his partner Chris Iredale finished well down the field with 28 points.

The next event is at Willow Valley, on Tuesday, March 11.