Prior has Grounds for glory after trophy triumph at Welland Yacht Club

Two wins and a second place were enough for Andy Prior to land Welland Yacht Club’s Grounds Trophy on Sunday.

Some eight competitors took to the starting line on a day that offered sunny conditions, but a fickle wind and patches of weed ensured conditions were tricky.

Prior, in his laser, got away first amid a reaching start ahead of Tom Bell (laser) and Mark Scourfield (solo).

By the end of lap one Bell had closed in on Prior but as the wind shifted, Prior was able to pull away again and crossed the line first with Bell second.

Scourfield was slowed down by one of the many patches of weed on the course and dropped back into the chasing pack.

This allowed Gail Follington (comet) to take third ahead of Scourfield, with Katie Follington (laser radial)taking fifth and Andy Agar (OK) in sixth.

Newcomers Richard Holland and Ben Parsons succumbed to the weed and despite a gallant effort failed to finish.

Conditions were similar for race two but this time Bell got the better better start.

Although Prior manged to catch up and overtake on a couple of occasions Bell fought back to take the race win.

Scourfield stayed in contention with both for much of the race but again the changeable wind and weed problem dragged him back, although this time he secured third ahead of Gail Follington.

Again Bell got a flying start in race three and took an early lead from Prior, with Scourfield and Ben Parsons, sailing a laser for the first time, in pursuit.

As the leaders reached the first corner, an area where the previous races had been won or lost, Prior forced Bell to tack and managed to sneak through and take the lead. Prior then held on to this lead to take race and overall honours from Bell. Scourfield again took third.

Overall, that left Prior first ahead of Bell in second and Scourfield in third, with Gail Follington fourth.