Golf: Shilton survives charge

By BOB PEARCE

Top Waikato golfer Brad Shilton survived a birdie blitz from Aucklander Chris Johns to win the 72-hole North Harbour strokeplay golf championship at Gulf Harbour yesterday.

Shilton, from Te Awamutu, had rounds of 72, 69, 69 and 68 for a 10-under total of 278, one ahead of Johns. The Waikato No 1 went into the final round with a one-shot margin over Johns, but saw that disappear when Johns completed the first nine in 30.

Shilton managed crucial birdies on the 12th and 13th to grab the lead back and held on to win as Johns left several putts on the lip.

Third equal, six shots further back, were Scott Johnson (North Shore) and Andrew Laloli (Titirangi).

After the tournament, the North Harbour selectors named their team for the Tower national teams contest in Invercargill next month.

North Shore teenager James Davis will play at No 1, ahead of experienced clubmate Phil Mosley.

Kelvin Longstaff (Peninsula) will play at three, Sam Sullivan (Muriwai) four and Josh Carmichael (Pupuke) five with Daniel Robertson (Redwood Park) the reserve.