GED Furey followed up his magnificent success in the Lombard Top Club Trophy by retaining the Softspikes Lancashire Open title at Heron's Reach in Blackpool.

The Pleasington professional fired a tremendous second round four-under-par 67 to secure victory over former Northern Boys' champion Michael Hollingworth by a shot.

European Tour player Paul Eales from Preston finished a further two strokes behind, underlining the quality of this field. A play-off seemed imminent when Furey came to the last tied with Hollingworth.

But a superb birdie on 18 closed the Denton player out as Furey added yet another prestigious title to his collection in his most successful season ever.

"The key here was the way I played the par-fives," said Furey.

"I birdied each of them and also the par-four 15th.

"Otherwise I didn't putt very well but I played steady throughout.

"I'm delighted to have ended the season on a high note."

Wilpshire's Simon Townend also enjoyed a good tournament, finishing alongside Eales with a one-under-par total of 141.

Jeff Mathews of Blackburn Driving Range concluded with a 71 for 143.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.