Yorkshire have strong presence heading in to match play phase of English Men’s Amateur at Alwoodley

Five players claimed their places at Pannal GC, headed by Meltham’s Jamie Bower, who shot a five-under-par 67.

Bower secured a share of fourth place by completing his round with two pars when play resumed after Monday’s suspension.

“I’d hit my tee shot to the middle of the green on the 17th and I came back (Tuesday) and two-putted,” he said.

He described Monday’s weather as horrendous, but was able to take a relaxed attitude to the suspension in play.

“I was in a good position so I felt comfortable, but if I’d had a worse score I would have been anxious. It was still raining (Tuesday) but not as heavy.”

Nine Yorkshire Union players progressed from Alwoodley GC, led by champion Marsh, his fellow Walker Cup hopeful Dan Brown and Ilkley’s Jack Lampkin, all three shooting one-over-par 72.

Torrential rain meant that the qualification for the knockout phase had to be reduced from the usual two rounds – one at each of Alwoodley and Pannal – to just one. The top 32 and ties from each venue went through for the match play, which will be played solely at Alwoodley, concluding with a 36-hole final on Saturday.

Nick Poppleton (Wath), Ben Brewster (Bawtry), Steve Robins (Hull) and James Walker (The Oaks) are among those who will compete in early matches on Wednesday in seven first-round ties.

Poppleton faces Luke Johnson (Kings Lynn) at 7.46am, Brewster is up against Paul Waring (Felixstowe) at 7.54, and Robins and Walker face one another at 8.18.

Sussex’s David Wicks set a new course record in the rain as qualifying for the match play stage was completed.

Wicks (Sedlescombe) led the qualifiers at Alwoodley after returning to complete a four-under par 67 which sets a new mark following changes to the course.

He had played through the worst of Monday’s weather and was four-under when play was called off.

Second round matches on Wednesday involving Yorkshire Union players are:

9.17: Joe Dean (Lindrick) v Matthew Lamb (Hexham).

9.25: David Houlding (Moortown) v Tomasz Anderson (Brocket Hall).

10.05: Damon Coulson (Fulford) v Steven Anderson (Royal Jersey).

10.21 Dan Wasteney (Bondhay) v Bobby Keeble (Abridge).

10.45: Dan Brown (Bedale) v Rhys Nevin-Wharton.

11.01: Nick Marsh (Huddersfield) v Pavan Sagoo (Ealing).

11.33: Jamie Bower (Meltham) v Seb Crookall-Nixon (Silloth on Solway).

11.41: Jack Lampkin (Ilkley) v James Willis (Penn).

12.05: Martin Brown (Pike Hills) v Jake Storey (Alnmouth).

12.45: Ben Firth (Moortown) v First round winner.

Spectators are welcome, and entrance is free. Parking may not be available at the club until towards the end of the week, and Alwoodley GC secretary-manager Julie Slater has asked that people park “sensibly” in the near-by area.