FERNDOWN'S Richard White celebrated his official appointment as Bournemouth Alliance secretary in winning style at Meyrick Park.

White teamed up with Iford professional David Miles to secure the Alf Perry Trophy with an impressive betterball nett score of 60.

The duo drew on all their extensive knowledge of the Bournemouth parkland course to win by three clear shots.

White was a Meyrick Park member for 22 years before moving to Ferndown in 2003 while Miles was the club's professional from 1993 to 2004.

Victory was sealed with a sensational seven-under-par 28 on the back nine.

Knighton Heath member David Swift linked up with his club's former professional Carl Jessup to card a 63 for a share of the runners-up prize with Dudsbury assistant pro Adam Sawyer and Graham Cooke (Meyrick Park).

Jessup also won the pro-medal prize-money with a level-par 68 - two shots ahead of Weymouth professional Michael Watson.

White, meanwhile, was appointed as secretary at the Bournemouth Alliance's AGM which was held directly after the Meyrick Park competition.

He takes over from Sherborne's John Nicholls who steps down after six years at the helm.

"John is hard act to follow," admitted White. "He was highly respected by all the members and had a good rapport with everyone he came into contact with."

The 69-year-old former helicopter pilot was captain of the HMS Culdrose Golf Club during his 23 years' service in the Royal Navy.

"It's been a privilege to serve the Alliance," said Nicholls.

"I like to think my legacy will be that I have sustained the camaraderie that is necessary between the amateurs and professionals."

Nicholls has been a member for more than 20 years while White joined the Alliance ranks in 1989.

White was Meyrick Park captain in 1992 and 2002. He was also the club's secretary on three occasions and on the committee for 15 years.

Since joining Ferndown he has become Dorset under-14s manager. White also led Ferndown's junior scratch golfers to Longmore Shield glory for the first time since 1992.

Other appointments at the Alliance's AGM included Martyn Thompson who took over from Nigel Tokely as president.