THREE talented golfers produced a stunning effort to reach the national final of a prestigious matchplay competition.

Adrian Lewis, Charley Simpson and Reuben Bather formed the Rydal Penrhos School side that competed against Bolton School in the Independent Schools’ Golf Association’s Northern Area Matchplay Championship final, which took place at Prestatyn Golf Club on Wednesday, February 6.

Scratch handicapper and Welsh youth international Reuben got the Rydal Penrhos contingent off to a flyer with a superb 3 and 2 victory, demonstrating the sort of shot selection that sees him sit in ninth position in the U16 European rankings.

This was followed by another positive performance from Adrian in a narrow 2 and 1 defeat in the closing stages, meaning the scores were tied going into the final contest.

Golf Wales Academy member Charley made a relentless start to his match to pull away in the early stages, and he remained composed on the back nine to come away with a resounding 5 and 3 triumph and secure a notable success for the school.

All three will now begin preparing for the ISGA National Matchplay comeptition, which will be held at Royal St. George's Golf Club, the home of the 149th Open Championship.

Allen Boyd, director of sport at Rydal Penrhos, said: “We have enjoyed a phenomenal amount of success with our Golf Academy since its inception, and this latest achievement is further proof of the fantastic work being done by programme co-ordinator Ian Richardson and the pupils involved.

“Adrian, Charley and Reuben are growing in confidence with every big occasion they are involved in, and they are thoroughly deserving of their new title of Northern Matchplay champions and we wish them the best of luck at the nationals.”