Swaffham professional Cains turns on the style in consecutive days
Swaffham professional Nic Cains (right) receives his trophy from Mark Spooner. Picture: John Paling - Credit: Archant
Swaffham professional Nic Cains turned on the style over two gruelling days to win one event - and finish runner-up in another.
Cains secured a one-shot victory in the 36 hole PGA in Norfolk Stroke-play Championship at Barnham Broom before coming second in the East Region Pro-am at Saffron Walden following an early start for an 8.30am tee-off time.
Strong winds made life difficult for all the players at Barnham Broom where the morning round was over the Valley course and the afternoon golf was played on the exposed Hill course.
With the wind gusting over 40 mph many of the high approach shots to the greens were ending up someway either side of the intended target.
Four players came in one over par on the Valley, including Cains, but they had to give the morning's honours to Chase Davis (Marriott Sprowston Manor) who shot a level par 72.
The strength of the wind increased in the afternoon and most of the leaders struggled, with the exception of Cains who posted a level par 71 and with his 73 from the morning became a new name on the trophy.
He won by one shot from Davis, who posted a 73 after lunch.
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The other leading finishers were Mark Allen (75/72) Ian Ellis (73/74), Jason Groat (73/76) and Andrew Marshall (73/76).
Cains was quickly into his stride at Saffron Walden the follow morning and was six under par after just 10 holes, with an eagle three at the ninth helping him along the way.
He then dropped shots in consecutive holes before a further birdie enabled him to sign for an impressive 67 that saw him claim runners-up spot behind Essex player Glen Portelli (65).
Davis finished tied sixth after a two under par round of 70.
After seven events in this year's Norfolk Order of Merit series Davis has jumped into the lead, three points ahead of Barnham Broom's Matthew Gardner, with Cains now up to fourth, five behind Ellis.
Details: Chase Davis (Marriott Sprowston) 38, Matthew Gardner (Barnham Broom) 35, Ian Ellis (Great Yarmouth & Caister) 34, Nic Cains (Swaffham) 29, Mark Spooner (Bawburgh Family Golf) 14, Mark Allen (Eaton) 13, Jason Groat (Denver Golf Centre) 13, Nick Lucas (Dunston Hall) 10, Mike Jubb (Sheringham) 6, Ross Hudson (Wensum Valley) 5, Adam Lewarne (Middleton Hall) 5.