Curley survives bumpy ride

Cian Curley made a positive start to the Europro season at Wensum Valley. Newlands’ Cian Curley survived a bumpy week on the greens at Wensum Valley to finish as the best of the Irish in the opening Europro Tour event of the season.

The former East of Ireland champion battled to a closing 75 to finish nine shots behind winner Dan Waite on eight over par in the Motocaddy Masters. Final scores and earnings

But he still picked up a modest £380 for his efforts and insisted he’s looking forward to his next outing at Astbury Hall in Shropshire in two weeks’ time.

“Three penalty drops through the first four holes today, never fun,” Curley tweeted. “Played some nice stuff after that. Looking forward to playing on good greens again.

“Best description of this week - it was like having a putting competition through Temple Bar!!! #cobblestones”

Englishman Waite birdied three of the last five, including the par-five 18th, for a closing 72 and a one-shot win over compatriots Paul Grannell and Stiggy Hodgson on one under pa.

He took home the £10,000 top prize to move to the top of the Order of Merit which will see the top five money winners awarded Challenge Tour cards at the end of the season.

Ballinasloe’s Mark Staunton (77) was 31st on 10 over with The Island’s David Rawluk (80) and McCambridge and Duffy sponsored Mick McGeady (80) a shot further back in 36th.

Limerick’s Tim Rice birdied the last for a 79 that gave him a share of 36th and prize money of £220.