SHERBORNE St John golfer Billy Watson has become the first amateur in six years to win the Hampshire Open Championship.

The North Hants member finished five shots clear of the field at Alresford Golf Club to lift the trophy thanks to an outstanding second round.

A first round of 71 (+2) left Watson two shots off the pace at the halfway stage, with Bishopswood amateur Tom Vaughan and Chris Hudson (Southwood) leading the way.

However, Watson was in top form during round two, a three-under-par round of 66 moving him to the top of the leaderboard, five shots clear of second-placed Adam Hickling (Stoneham).

Seven players claimed a share of third place on +6, including Test Valley professional Ali Briggs, who shot two rounds of 72 (+3), and former Sherfield Oaks pro Jonathan Barnes.

Tylney Park's Ben Cummings finished 13th on 147 (+9), while another north Hampshire amateur, Charlie Manning (North Hants), was 21st on 150 (+12).

Weybrook Park's Steven Went was a further shot back in 23rd, with Sherfield Oaks amateur Jonathan Buller 27th on +14.

Bishopswood's Vaughan, who made such a strong start to the competition, fell away during the second round, carding 85 to go from a share of the lead to a 32nd-place finish on +16.

Another amateur, Basingstoke Golf Club's Oscar O'Herlihy, finished in a tie for 44th on +24, while Sandford Springs professional Simon Smith was 50th on +32.