IT was the tightest finish yet when Great Lever and Farnworth golfers battled it out in the BEN Millennium Trophy qualifying round.

All three qualifiers for the final fired in rounds of 68 with only the back none scores deciding the outcome on a card play-off.

Club team player Mick Barlow finally got the vote with his 77-6-68 clinching victory which also earned him the club's BGA Millennium Trophy.

After overcoming an entry of 132 players Barlow said: "The conditions were tough with a strong win, but at least it held off fom the rain we had expected.

"I knocked in a few saving putts and that is what did it for me. I was steady and only dropped one shot on the back nine.

Bob Davies who came home third with 79-11-68 was disappointed that he did not win after a poor back nine.

"I had a few pars going out but didn't have one coming home. But I still had a good round.

Second place went to John Vickers with 79-11-68.

All three qualified for the BEN Millennium Trophy final at Deane on September 29, when 39 players will compete for the top prize of a weekend break at Macdonald's Riverside Hotel, in Kendal.

The winner will receive a glass rosebowl sponsored by Readey's Trophies and Engravers and a magnum of champagne. Second will receive a bottle of champagne with a quality bottle of wine to the third. Each qualifier will receive a polo shirt and will be provided with a meal after the final.

The winners of the 13 qualifying rounds will be presented with their BGA Millennium Trophies on final day.

The next qualifying rounds will be held at Hindley Hall and Harwood on June 14.