GARRY Slade had double cause for celebration after lifting the County Championship title for the first time.

The 22-year-old, from Studley near Calne, shot a four round total of 277 – five under par – to emerge victorious from the two-day event held at the Salisbury & South Wilts and High Post clubs.

The victory also ensured Slade earned a spot in the Wiltshire squad which will attempt to defend the South West Championships title at Cumberwell Park GC, near Bradford on Avon next month.

Slade, who works at Tesco Express in Calne, said: “I’ve played in the championships a few times, but it’s quite big for me this year.

“Getting into the Wilshire squad was also another aim for this year. I was hoping for a decent year and it’s started really well for me. After winning this, hopefully I’ll be able to play in a few national events this year.’’

He carded rounds of 67 and 66 (nine under) to lead Salisbury & South Wilts player Robbie Busher – playing on his home course – by four shots after day one.

The second day at High Post proved more testing for the field of 71 with high winds and cold conditions, Busher the only player under par in the first round to cut Slade’s lead to just a shot.

Slade remained in front for the final round before a birdie on the 16th proved decisive and final approaches to the final two holes wrapped up his victory.

He also picked up the Searle Salver (for best 36 holes in the Team Shield on day one) and the Swift Cup for lowest Championship round of 66 (on countback).

Slade added: “The first day was when the score had to be made. I couldn’t have played a lot better than I did and I was happy with the two scores I made.

“It was really tough on the second day. You just had to get it around and make sure you didn’t give too many shots away.’’ Busher was tied on 281 with Broome Manor’s Tom Burley, but Burley claimed the runner-up spot on fourth-round countback after a best-of-the-day 68.

Andy Rideout (West Wilts) was a further six shots back in fourth, with Marlborough’s Paul Green scoring consistently for fifth. Teenagers Jack Charman (North Wilts) and Ben Amor (Marlborough were sixth and seventh.

Slade’s triumph also earned him a place in the Wiltshire team to defend the South West Championships title at Cumberwell Park GC, near Bradford on Avon next month.

County skipper David Bauer, whose vice-captain is Pete Bicknell, had included much of the side that went on to lift the English County Championship last September, for the South West event on June 9-15