CROSBY PLATE, West Lancs , April 2, 2006

Winstanley at the double.
Ian Winstanley confirmed his England credentials with a storming performance at rain-lashed West Lancs to retain the Crosby Plate. It swept the 18-year-old Cheshire player to the top of the Mitsushiba Northern Order of Merit which he won with a record 875 points last season. And judging by the way he combated the elements in the first ranking event at the exposed the Blundellsands links, the Warrington and Formby player will take some stopping again this time.

Winstanley, awarded his county colours at the weekend after helping Cheshire romp to an 11-point victory over North Wales at Portal, birdied  the last three holes in a second round 73. He opened with level par 72 but in deteriorating conditions ran up a brace of double bogeys in the afternoon before his blistering finish which catapulted him three shots clear of Shaw Hill's Jon Hurst who carded 76 and a best-of-second-round 72.

Winstanley, a member of the England Under-21 squad, has lowered his handicap to plus three already this year after a solid performance in last month's Greek Amateur Championship. He was the youngest winner of the Mitsushiba merit last year when he also topped the Cheshire rankings for a unique double.

May 06 Ian Leads the Faldo Series

Ian Winstanley, from Warrington carded a three under par 68 and share of the overall lead in the first of the Faldo Series.

Commenting on the level of competitive spirit at the tournament, Ian said: 'I was aware that Ian Davie had finished three under par as I stepped onto the 17 th so knew I had to go for it on my last two holes. I came off with a birdie Eagle finish, equalled Iain's score and fulfilled what I'd wanted to do. It's great to be on top of the Order of Merit table for now, but I'm just going to play it one event at a time and keep it in the present.'