DESPITE fears among regular participants that the Southampton Open would not take place at all, it all came good on Saturday especially for surprise winner David North.

The rain predicted earlier in the week did not materialise and Southampton Municipal's lovely woodland course basked in warm sunshine.

Romsey member North, 30, coped best over 36 holes with the heat, hard fairways and wicked flag positions to post scores of 70 and 72 to pip defending champion Andy Bow (Stoneham) by one stroke.

For full story, don't miss today's Daily Echo.

Also in today's paper, former Southampton Open organiser Bill Webb fears for the long-term future of the tournament unless Southampton City Council has a "change in attitude to make it workable".