RECENTLY installed Ross Golf Club captain Richard Topping kick-started his year in office in the best possible way by winning the second winter stableford competition.

His 42 points included seven pars and a birdie and was a model in consistent play.

His success means he will now be a 14 handicapper in future.

Shaun Reynolds, who has a 13 handicap, was equally impressive in matching Topping's 42 points.

His score included 11 pars and seven bogeys in a fine round, with count-back only preventing him finishing in the top spot overall.

However his name did top the Handicap Division One list as he takes a one-shot handicap reduction to 12.

Matthew Hillier, the club's most improved player of 2014, again showed his qualities in handling the Ross course with a 40 points score.

Joining him in the qualifying places were Kevin Powell, Colin Stanbridge, Colin Bennion and Colin Gladwyn, who all scored 39 points, and Mick Merrick and Chris Taylor who finished on 37.

In Handicap Division Two, the qualifiers to join Topping were Nigel Evans with 40 points, Tim Kefalas, Tim Stuart Jones, and David Duberley with 39 points each and Steve Bartholomew on 38.

Because Stuart Jones qualified in the first round, Roger Morgan with 37 points now joins the qualifying list.