JUNIOR Ciaran Matthews claimed Sandburn Hall Golf Club’s inaugural Order of Merit title.

He came out on top following a three-day final at Formosa Park, in Portugal, where ten players, who had qualified from a season long competition of medals and tournaments at the Flaxton course, met to do battle.

They played rounds at Pinheiros Altos and San Lorenzo and Matthews shot stableford scores of 37, 37 and 36. With the ten players being given points based on their Order of Merit rankings following the end of the season, and with them awarded further points based on their finishing position after each Portugeuse round, Matthews came out on top with a score of 34.

It was the latest accolade for the youngster, whose handicap has tumbled over the last couple of years.

Andy Whitwam was runner-up to Matthews, with Ben Singleton third.

Matthews, Singleton and Chris Klays were all juniors who made the trip supervised by the club’s new junior organiser Rich Matthews.

The top ten who travelled to Portugal were Adrian Whiteley, Rich Newby, Eddie Thomas, Eddie Hicks, Steve Iveson, Matthews, Singleton, Heath, Klays and Whitwam.