"It was a strange day having a big lead and just trying to hang on. I just wanted to be positive, but after four weeks of golf I think the mind just wondered a bit."
Any chance of a comeback didnt last long as the chasing players failed to get going which allowed Shilton to enjoy the walk up the 72nd hole with a comfortable six shot buffer.
"Fortunately the boys didnt get going which made it easier for me and meant there was not too much of a challenge from behind so it was a nice walk down 18."
37-year-old Shilton was aiming to end his seven-year drought on the Jennian Homes Charles Tour after his last victory was on his 30th birthday, making him feel a little bit older at the end of it all.
Josh Geary was the only player to take advantage of the benign conditions on the final day and he did it in style breaking the course record with a nine-under 63 to soar into second. He played alongside Fraser Wilkin who had to watch on as Geary beat Wilkins former course record of 64.
Rounding out the top three was Mark Brown who got a surprise when he found Geary had climbed his way into the runner-up position. Daniel Hillier was in his familiar position of leading amateur.
It was a similar display of dominance in the womens field as Rose Zheng captured her first win on the Jennian Homes Charles Tour after carding an incredible final round of seven-under par to win by an even bigger margin of seven shots.
Zheng was simply too good for the rest of the field finishing at 17-under par, while two-time defending champion, Chantelle Cassidy, was in second place with a total of 10-under and first round leader Alanna Campbell finishing in third on 7-under.
"It feels great, I have never felt like this before," beamed a near speechless Zheng.
"Ive never played this good in a tournament before, Ive never been this far under par!"
At the tender age of just 14, she showed maturity beyond her years in what was an extremely consistent week for the Aucklander.
"It was just about being consistent and waiting for birdies, I didnt go searching and it paid off. I cant describe how happy I am and hopefully it will keep going from here."
She now travels to Wellington in a weeks time and will attempt to take out the New Zealand Amateur Championship which consists of two qualifying rounds, before the drama of match-play will unfold. She will be joined by Cassidy and Campbell who will be looking to reverse the roles.
This now completes the second event on the Jennian Homes Charles Tour as the Jennian Homes Trophy points start building with players aiming to win the seasons big prize and become the countrys most consistent golfer.
- This story has been automatically published using a media release from Golf NZ
