James Sugrue captured the Bank of Ireland Castletroy Scratch Cup this afternoon as a second round 69 saw him jump into a winning position.  Four birdies and a single bogey meant that the Mallow man signed for a 69 and when added to his morning 72, he finished three shots clear of the field.  David Reddan and Deam McMahon both finished on level par, with Reddan taking 2nd place on the countback.  John Hickey was 6th on 147 and Paul Tobin had another good finish taking the second nett prize.  A full field of 75 golfers took to the course for the 36 hole event.

Sugrue was just two shots off the first round lead at lunchtime.  Castletroy’s John Hadnett shot a two under par 70 to hold the lead.  Dean McMahon and Paul Tobin were in on 71 and Sugrue was in a group on 72.

Needless to say Sugure was delighted with his win and a credits a recent equipment change to his success.  “I changed back to my old putter last week and I think that’s made a real difference” said a happy winner.  “The course was in great shape, the greens were very nice and the course did suit me.  There were a lot of two irons off the tees today.”  The Bank of Ireland sponsored competition is one of the oldest scratch cups in the province, dating back to 1937.

Sugrue won the Muskerry Senior Scratch Cup last year and followed that will a number of good performances.  He’s been playing well so far this year and featured close to the top of the leaderboard in Lee Valley.  Sugrue is heading to Paris tomorrow, he’s set to play in the Alps Tour event in ClementAder which is being hosted by Thomas O’Driscoll.