Campbell clutch putts seal East glory

Warrenpoint’s Colm Campbell survived an early wobble in the final round and a late challenge from defending champion Paul Dunne to claim a two-shot victory in the East of Ireland Amateur Open at a rain-soaked County Louth.

Chastened after losing his place in the Ulster interprovincial team last year, the 27-year old paid tribute to his uncle and caddie Paddy Gribben — the former European Amateur champion and Walker Cup player — as he built a four stroke lead with a third round 68, lost it by the fifth in the final round but then played superbly coming home to clinch his first “major”.

Despite a gutsy final challenge by Dunne, who closed with a 68 having lost his share of the lead with Campbell with a third round 76, Campbell holed a series of crucial putts around the turn and again late on the back nine to close with a 74 for six under par total of 282.