A FINAL round of 78 from Blackburn's Tony Jackson destroyed his chances of regaining the Lancashire Amateur Championship title at West Lancs yesterday.

Defending champion Jackson had put himself back in the frame with a best score of 68 in the third round. But a poor last round meant he finished seventh, five shots behind winner Matthew Cox.

Nelson's John Cockcroft had a better day, finishing two shots ahead of Jackson, with a final total of 298.

Cockroft was consistent throughout but a final round of 75 meant he finished in joint fifth place -- three shots off the Royal Birkdale winner.

Cox closed with a 73 for a seven over par total of 295. He had a shot to spare over Manchester's Roger Smithies and former champion Robert Bardsley of Denton, whose 71 was the best of the afternoon.