Magic Melding’s maiden win

Former Welsh international Craig Melding won his first event as a professional with a six-under-par 66 at Newport in the South Wales PGA medal.

He is now in his first year as a trainee with Richard Bennett at Neath Golf Club where he made his mark as an amateur.

Birdies at the fourth, fifth and seventh took him to the turn in 33. Another birdie followed at the 12^th but the clinching hole was the par five 18^th which he eagled.

This brought a one-stroke success over regional chairman James Lee

(Caerphilly) who also turned in 33 with birdies at the second, fourth and fifth. Further birdies at the 12^th and 16^th followed.

Cardiff-based Chris Hamblin was third in his first outing of the season. Dropped shots at the first and 13^th proved costly but his six birdies helped his amateur partner Matt Millard from Cardiff Golf Club win the better-ball, sponsored by Asbri Golf, on 62.

Sion Bebb (Morlais Castle) made a double bogey at the ninth when nicely placed at four-under-par. He settled for fourth on 69.