ACCRINGTON’S Chris Nuttall carried off the Trafalgar Trophy with a pair of 68s at Nelson Golf Club to take the silverware back down the M65.

Victory represents the biggest win of the 27-year-old’s amateur career. He has been a member at Accrington since he was nine.

Nuttall, who works for a plant-hire company in Blackburn, said: “It is a very proud moment. I am really pleased because this is a nice honour.

“Wins like these get you noticed. Now I have got to kick on and, hopefully, try to get into contention for the county team.

“It is always harder winning an Order of Merit prize on another course, so picking up the Trafalgar Trophy at Nelson, where I have many friends, was extra special.

“It is also great to be flying the flag for Accrington Golf Club, who have played a big part in my career.”

Nuttall’s match-winning 136 aggregate edged out Lancashire stalwart Nick Uttley, playing on his own course, by one shot.

Tony Flanagan, also from Nelson, finished third.

Nuttall’s regular playing partner at Accrington, Ian Hardman, was fourth, and he landed the same position in the final Order of Merit leaders table.

Nuttall said: “Ian has had a terrific season and I really do think he could be on the verge of a county call-up because he is playing that well.

“We travel to most competitions together so I was really chuffed to see him finish the season so strongly.

“Golf is my main hobby. Sometimes it can be a cruel game so it is nice to get a bit of recognition when you are in form and playing well because there are dark moments when you are out of nick — like I was at the start of the season — and then it becomes much harder.”

Northern Order of Merit final table (leaders): Sam Prince (Northenden) 800 points; Paul Kinnear (Formby) 700 points; John Carroll (Huyton & Prescot) 630 points; Ian Hardman (Accrington) 560 points; James McCormick (Styal) 490 points; Mark Ashworth (Clitheroe) 435 points.