IAN Callaway mounted a successful defence of his Men’s Club Championship Scratch title at Hartley Wintney Golf Club.

The 36-hole competition was held over the course of two days at the north Hampshire club, with Callaway coming out on top for the second year running.

The defending champion was one of four players lying four shots off the pace after the first round.

Dave Bartlett was leading the way after shooting 72 (+1), with Callaway, Shaun Lewis, Ben Cornwell and Bob Collins all on +5 at the end of the opening day.

Things changed rapidly early on in round two, with Bartlett’s lead being eradicated over the course of the front nine.

Callaway made a triple-bogey seven at the last for a round of 76 (+5), leaving Bartlett needing a birdie to win or a par to force a play-off, but he found a greenside bunker with his approach and was unable to sink his 12-foot par putt.

Nick Palmer and Ben Cornwell were a further two shots back in third.

Tony Wise won the handicap trophy on nett scores -5. Geoff Critcher was four back in second, with Tony Gray a further two behind in third.

Cheryl Scott won the ladies title, Jan Newman won the handicap event and Sue Comfort won the 18-hole Stableford title.