Long lay-off does the trick for first-time winner

Tuesday 26th May 2009, 2:29PM BST.

Danny Blondel is disappointed with the result of his approach shot to the first in the afternoon round of the final. He had just played his fourth shot after not been able to find his original drive. (0778606)

ANDY EGGO could not wipe the smile from his face on Sunday evening – and no one could prise the Island Championship trophy from him.

His first Guernsey title had been such a long time in coming that he thoroughly deserved his moment in the sun with family and friends there to share it with him – brother Bobby, a nine-times winner, being first on hand to congratulate him.

The champion said that he is sure opponent Danny Blondel’s time will come and many agree with that, but this was Eggo’s day at the end of an outstanding week of golf played over a L’Ancresse links in glorious condition.

‘It was funny because in my first-round match I was quite pleased with the way I played and every day after that I just seemed to improve,’ said Eggo.

‘On Thursday, the match with Steve Mahy was a tough match and it was good to get through that.’