SAM Baker produced a sparkling round of 71 over his home Burghill Valley course to clinch the Herefordshire Junior Championship and the Hereford Times Cup for the first time.

The 14-year-old Aylestone School pupil has made rapid progress since taking up golf four years ago when his father Paul started back after a long lay-off. The youngster has now left Paul way behind as his handicap plummeted to a category one five.

Earlier this year he made the Shropshire and Herefordshire selectors take notice when he shot a magnificent 141 (72, 69) to tie for first place in the twin counties Boys' Under-18 Championships at Llanymynech, only to lose to Billy Mills in a play-off.

This performance earned Baker a regular place in the Shropshire and Herefordshire team for the Midland League matches and he has played his part with the team challenging for honours.

Herefordshire GC's Richard Wellings was Baker's nearest challenger with a gross 74, but he took the Sun Valley Trophy for the nett competition.

Sun Valley once again sponsored the event with a generous donation of vouchers for the county's youngsters, and Burghill Valley provided food for all the golfers.

Results, Hereford Times Cup: 1 Sam Baker (Burghill Valley) 71, 2 Matt Davies (Kington) 76, 3 Mark Prior (Burghill Valley) 78.

Sun Valley Trophy: 1 Richard Wellings (Hereford) 74-8-66, 2 James Davies (Belmont) 77-11-66, 3 Alec Phillips (Belmont) 94-24-70; Under-13: Jack Morris (Burghill Valley) 98-27-71; Under-14: James Morris (Burghill Valley) 91-19-72; Under-15: Will Owens (Herefordshire GC) 82-10-72.