Fraserburgh's Kris Nicol, a sportscotland institute of sport athlete, scored his best result on the international amateur stage when he claimed second place in the Lytham Trophy.

The former North-east Open champion posted final day rounds of 73 and 74 for a seven-over aggregate of 287 and finished three shots behind Paul Cutler, who became the first Irishman in 28 years to win the title with a 284.

Scotland cap Nicol had been sitting one stroke off the pace after two rounds and moved into a three-way tie at the top with Cutler and Germany's Alexis Szappanos during round three.

Portstewart’s Cutler, last year's Irish amateur number one, made the decisive move in the closing round with a one-over 71, while Nicol's title hopes were ended with a four-over score.

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