ANDY NEILD reports on the Lancashire Evening Telegraph Harold Ryden Trophy

GARY Phillipson won the battle of Darwen in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph Harold Ryden Trophy at Pleasington - but if he goes on to win the competition for the first time he'll have done it the hard way.

The 30-year-old's reward for beating his friend and Darwen team mate John Grimshaw, who won the trophy in 1994, is a semi final match against Blackburn's Jason Ashton tonight - the winner of last year's event.

Ashton produced another powerhouse display to see off the challenge of Nelson's Gary Blades 3 and 2.

But Phillipson, who fired a round of 69 last week to retain his ELGA Scratch Medal, isn't fazed by the prospect.

"I suppose you've got to beat the best if you want to win a tournament like this," said Phillipson.

"It doesn't really bother me." Last night's contest wasn't a classic but Phillipson kept his cool on the back nine to emerge victorious 4 and 3.

He won the 11th, 12th, and 14th holes before a monster putt on the 15th green gave him a birdie on the 355 yard par 4 hole and sealed the match.

"I was very pleased to win although it wasn't the best of games.

"I have played a lot of golf with John and it is hard to give yourself a fighting edge in a match like that."

The surprise package of the quarter final was Nelson's Daniel Nutter.

The 21-year-old produced some exceptional golf to sweep aside the challenge of Clitheroe's young star Daniel Preedy.

By the time he had wrapped things up at the 16th, Nutter was two under par and his card boasted six 3s to give him a convincing 3 and 2 victory.

He will face Wilpshire's Tony Holt in the other semi final.

"I'm feeling confident. If I go out there and play well then I'll win the match," said Nutter.

Holt booked his place by finishing one up against home favourite Andrew White.

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